How much is a carton of "premium" cigarettes (Marlboro, Virginia Slims) in MO?
In TX, the legislature has upped the taxes on a carton by ten dollars, beginning January 1, 2007. The money goes to fund schools.
If I remember while I'm out, I'll find out today. Our per pack tax is 12 cents right now and would have surged to over 90 cents.
A carton of Marlboro runs approx. $28.00 with taxes.
Callers to a KC talk radio show overwhelming opposed the tax. Many thought it was bad policy to start taxing items that are deemed bad for you. As one caller stated, "Whats next? A tax on Crispy Creme Donuts?" The majority of those callers were non-smokers, also.
Cute. 25% of the population is expected to foot the bill for something 100% benefits from. I'm not going to get into a debate about public schools, the point is any kid can go to a public school, but only the kids whose parents smoke, and smokers who don't even have kids will be paying for it.
I also find it not only hypocritical, but amusing, because all those kids in all those schools that will benefit from the cigarette taxes will be taught to be disrespectful of adults who are paying the bills.
I don't know about those brands but I can usually get a carton of Camels for 25 bucks and some change.
Please!
The money goes in to the same pot that all other money goes to. Look up the word "fungible" and get back to me.
Sorry to be snotty, but I am sick and tired of people repeating this "special fund" nonsense.