Senate OKs cigarette tax hike, closes corporate loopholes

South Coast Today ^ | May 7, 2008 | David Kibbe

[Republicus2001]

why not raise the tax to $10/pack? ItsforthechildrenBushfaultHateAmerica

[The Pack Knight]

Interesting note. The name of the British ship that seized Hancock's ship in Boston Harbor for alleged smuggling: HMS Romney.

[calex59]

Ok, soon they will reach the point where so many people quit smoking, or buy their cigs on the black market, that they are no longer reaping the windfall taxes(if they can use it for profits I can use it for taxes)from cigs, they will turn to other things. Get ready America, we are about to become the a communist country with taxes on everything. We need to take back our country. Let’s do it. Let’s stand up and say NO MORE TAXES, on anything. Don’t like smokers, to damn bad, live with it or lose what YOU like to taxes.

[Gabz]

"The Senate's proposal is a reasonable representation of everyone's interests that provides predictability and fairness,"

Wait a minute, I thought they always claim higher cig taxes cuts into smoking rates, thus they can predict how much "revenue" such an increase will generate....

And what exactly is fair about only taxing a certain minority segment of the population for the benefit of all?

Oh, never mind, this is Massachusetts.........

Nanny State Ping

[from occupied ga]

Maybe you see a big difference between McCain and Obama. I sure don't

I don't either

But, you and I are going to vote for one of them

Not if there is a libertarian or constitutionalist candidate on the ballot.

Can you think of a good reaon to live here in the US

Sure can, because not all of it is nasty crooked little fascist police states like MA, NY, NJ, CT, MD & RI. Would you rather stand in sh!t up to your ankles or in sh!t over your head? You apparently think there isn't any difference.

[andy58-in-nh]

Where’s John Hancock when you need him?

He was bought out by a Canadian insurance company and his headquarters was sold off to a New York developer.

[stubernx98]

See article in WSJ today how in NY that the tax is so high that it now is creating a new criminal enterprise of smuggling. Over 45% or so of cigarettes are smuggled in and a crook can make $1,000,000 on one truck load. Also some of the ill gotten gains are going to fund terrorism groups.

There is nothing dumber than a politician!

[from occupied ga]

There is nothing dumber than a politician!

Now don't you be saying bad things about Sheila Jackson Lee (the one who thinks that NASA landed men on Mars)

[Madame Dufarge]

The Senate defeated a proposal for a 5 percent tax on alcoholic beverages to raise $87 million for drug abuse treatment.

Confirming that there are more drunks than smokers in the Mass legislature.

[Disturbin]

“A tax on the poor that liberals support.”

We already count on revenue from our state lottery, which is a voluntary tax on the stupid.

[Gabz]

Confirming that there are more drunks than smokers in the Mass legislature.

Line of the thread!!!!

[Disturbin]

“... they will turn to other things. Get ready America, we are about to become the a communist country with taxes on everything.”

Like in Jersey where they are pondering a fast food tax?

[mak5]

See this article from today's Wall Street Journal: "Cigarette Taxes are Fueling Organized Crime" http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121012081570272357.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

[Disturbin]

Bring on the black market gasoline. We could use it!

[LearsFool]

"Confirming that there are more drunks than smokers in the Mass legislature."

Line of the thread!!!!

Hear! Hear!

[Mears]

” I just can’t think of a good reason.’

The Red Sox,the Pats,the Celtics, the Bruins,and Boston College hockey.

Other than that,there is no good reason for living in Maqssachusetts and I live there.

[Little Bill]

I can’t blame Mitt for this one the rats have an absolute Majority, over ride at will.

[Little Bill]

I can’t blame Mitt for this one the rats have an absolute Majority, over ride at will.

[Republicus2001]

become the a communist country with taxes on everything.in California, believe it or not the Governator wants to put a sales tax on human labor...

[HenpeckedCon]

No problem. I wish they would raise it to $ 10.00 a pack. I already buy my smokes in New Hampshire for $ 35.00 a carton.