Maine: Panel OKs $1 tax hike on cigarettes

bangordailynews.com ^ | 6-15-05

[SheLion]

Isn't your government a wonderful thing? Another legitimate, law abiding company now driven out of business!!!!!!

"The taxing power...must not be used to regulate the economy or bring about social change."
Ronald Reagan - 1981

[SheLion]

I went elsewhere. In fact, 1700 miles elsewhere! Maine will never see another penny of revenue from this household. Sorry about your misfortune in that communist country. Land is cheap out here in Missouri, we have 2 Pubbie senators and a Pubbie Governor, and our taxes/cost of living is mucho cheaper. There ain't a Somali in sight either. Come on down, Americans are welcome.

Sounds wonderful!  If I wasn't so dug in here, I would consider it.  My roots run deep now after living here for 20 years.

[SheLion]

Well, it's a done deal for the cigarette tax increase again. Everyone but Maine smokers got off easy.

I heard from Rep Snowe-Mello. I was the only one in the whole state that she heard from. :( I couldn't do it by myself..... :(

Darlene,
You are the only person that I have heard from who do not want the
cigarette tax. The budget passed in the House by one vote.
Lois

[RandallFlagg]

They all say that. Just like they all say things like, "Well, the majority view is---" or, "Studies have shown---" and, "I don't know anybody who voted for Nixon."

[SheLion]

They all say that. Just like they all say things like, "Well, the majority view is---" or, "Studies have shown---" and, "I don't know anybody who voted for Nixon."

You mean....it might not be true that I was the only one she heard from???

[RandallFlagg]

Pretty much.

If it were me, I'd counter that line with, "Well what'd you expect? The anti-smoker legislations in this state have driven most smokers away and out into more friendly areas; which brings into question as to how much revenue you politicians think will be generated if there's mo smokers left to pay the bill... HMMMMM?"

[SheLion]

If it were me, I'd counter that line with, "Well what'd you expect? The anti-smoker legislations in this state have driven most smokers away and out into more friendly areas; which brings into question as to how much revenue you politicians think will be generated if there's mo smokers left to pay the bill... HMMMMM?"

Well, I'm just sick Randall.  :(

Plus, she is a good friend, so I couldn't say something like that to her.  But I am just sick.  I can't believe that I am the only smoker in this whole state that gives a damn.

[RandallFlagg]

I didn't know you knew her. But the question's still valid: How are they going to make all this income if there's no smokers left to steal get it from?

[SheLion]

I didn't know you knew her. But the question's still valid: How are they going to make all this income if there's no smokers left to steal get it from?

I've corresponded with her for several years now.

But take me: you know I have been rolling my own for over 4 years now and am no longer feeding taxes into the state coffers. But I still believe in helping my fellow Mainers the best I can by fighting for them.

I wonder if anyone really cared. I wonder if anyone really listened.

[RandallFlagg]

Well, your FRiends here appreciate your hard work. As do I.

[SheLion]

Well, your FRiends here appreciate your hard work. As do I.

Well, sometimes I throw my hands in the air and say to hell with it. This is my last fight.

Take a few days off and here I am again. heh!

I guess I am like the bad penny.....keeps coming back. :)

[EGPWS]

Well, it's a done deal for the cigarette tax increase again.

So sad, for once the ball gets rolling it takes a lot of work to stop it's motion.

I suppose a portion of that generated revenue will help support the children's Ritalin habit in public schools who might be normal children and stare out the window too much?

[EGPWS]

I guess I am like the bad penny.....keeps coming back. :)

IMO, that should be "a flower that blossoms again in the spring".

Yep, that is a MUCH better comparison! : )

[SheLion]

IMO, that should be "a flower that blossoms again in the spring".

Ah that's sweet. Thank you!

[Garnet Dawn]

I'm so sorry!

I thought the states were turning away from these tobacco "user" taxes this year. Great posts all. I hope Sen. Peggy Rotundo, and all the other who passed the bill, have just issued the "kiss of death" to the Maine state budget and you can reduce their anticipated revenue to zero!

I also hope you get out your check books and order from Sovereign Indian retailers or roll your own the way SheLion suggested. There are a lot of smokers who will be happy to supply you with "safe" retailers, who will continue to keep your ordering records private.

I wonder who the new Al Capone of tobacco distribution in Main will be?

[SheLion]

I wonder who the new Al Capone of tobacco distribution in Maine will be?

I'd love to find out!

Maine lawmakers are so stupid!  If they would have left the cigarette tax alone, their revenue would have run along smoothly.  But now with this newest tax increase, more Maine smokers are throwing their hands in the air and finding cheaper smokes elsewhere.  Leaving Maine Budget Revenue running shorter then it is already.

Got to keep those pet programs alive you know. heh!