Why did tobacco tax fail in Missouri?

[Conservababe]

Lost in the national attention of the senatorial race and stem cell research amendment was amendment #3. It was a proposal to raise taxes by four cents a cigarette. Some of the revenues collected was to go to smoking cessation education and health care of the uninsured;none being allocated to general revenue. Blah blah blah, you know the drill.

It was defeated by 51.5 to 48.5 percent. There was not much of a discussion of the amendment in my area in the media or local talk shows. Twenty-four percent of the adult population in Missouri smokes. I would venture to say that most smokers just assumed it would pass readily.

But, it did not pass and I'm trying to figure out why. Did voters reject another tax even though they have distaste for smokers? Did they not trust the state to spend the money wisely?

[kerryusama04]

How much is a carton of "premium" cigarettes (Marlboro, Virginia Slims) in MO?

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.

[SheLion]

Our per pack tax is 12 cents right now and would have surged to over 90 cents.

$2 dollars a pack here in Maine!

[FairWitness]

One of the best reasons is that it is stupid to put a tax measure into a state constitution!

[Conservababe]

Oh, I'm not disappointed at all. I am a smoker and even if I wasn't, I do not support punitively taxing a legal product.

[buschbaby]

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.

[HEY4QDEMS]

Our cigarette tax is so low that people from other states buy them here and we would have lost that revenue

New Hampshire has lobbyists in Massachusetts always pushing for cigarette and alchohol tax increases.

[StarCMC]

You also have to add in the (IMO) very effective ads that talked about how we can't trust the government in Jeff City to actually use the money the was it's supposed to use it. (i.e. on tobacco cessation programs for smokers)

We ALL know that while the gambling money went in the front door of the education system, the money grabbers in Jeff City pulled money previously used for education out the back door so that the promised increase in education funding was a bald-faced lie. I think a lot of people are still smarting over that.

Further, the idea that circulated that the funds not specifically earmarked for tobacco cessation programs could be spent on funding other "medically necessary procedures" like abortions for underprivileged women was reprehensible.

[Gabz]

In TX, the legislature has upped the taxes on a carton by ten dollars, beginning January 1, 2007. The money goes to fund schools.

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.

[Neoliberalnot]

Because voters recognized this tax increase as another sneaking attempt to exploit this unhealthy practice for political gain and nothing more. Any excuse to strip more money from taxpayers' pockets does not sit well with people in the Midwest.

[floydibanezer]

I don't know about those brands but I can usually get a carton of Camels for 25 bucks and some change.

[StarCMC]

You got that completely right, sistah!!

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Smokers need to consult the marketing people the homosexuals use.

As to your question, I guess I am surprised it came so near passing. Let the smokers keep their money and maybe they can fund their own health care a little easier. It's their choice. Let them deal with the consequences.

[mysterio]

Most Missouri voters thought they were voting for the tax increase, but instead they mistakenly voted for Pat Buchanan. That's why it didn't pass.

[StarCMC]

Nah -- Pat Buchanan's alive. It has to be someone dead for MO to vote them in! ;-D

[zeugma]

In TX, the legislature has upped the taxes on a carton by ten dollars, beginning January 1, 2007. The money goes to fund schools.

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.

[Just another Joe]

Most Missouri voters thought they were voting for the tax increase, but instead they mistakenly voted for Pat Buchanan. That's why it didn't pass.

Hey! This ain't Floriduh.

;^)

[Just another Joe]

Missouri ping

Low volume (again) ping list

FReepmail me to be on, or off, this list.

Comments from Missouri voters?

[alfa6]

My father who lives in St. Louis, is 78 years old, a smoker for about 30+ yeras, a throat cancer survivor of about 18 years and is active in the No Smoke group around St. Louis was vehemently opposed to the tobacco tax.

Why, because he figured it was:
A} Just another boondoogle for the politicians
B} None of the Goverment business.

My and my Dad's .02 for what it's worth

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[Armedanddangerous]

Because some people are still sensible, and realize that smoking is a choice, not a sinister conspiracy by tobacco companies.

That would be my guess.

[Politically Correct]

My two cents. Looking forward to other perspectives. I For the record, I only smoke the occasional cigar. A) We have a unique perspective on new taxes in MO because they squandered the tobacco settlement money and the last time they got taxes for roads, they didn't build the roads in STL or KC. B) People who raise taxes on products they condemn are no better than street corner drug dealers. C) Who wants a tax in their constitution? D) Trying to raise revenue on a product at the same time as trying to get people to quit using it is folly. E) Our cigarette tax is so low that people from other states buy them here and we would have lost that revenue. This is such a phenomena that KS passed a law specifically addressing this because they were losing money. F) The Gas stations all lobbied against it.

I think that you nailed it.
It would seem that no matter how much money you send to Jeff City they spend it all. (And frequently on the most ridiculous things and occasionally on what's needed.)
Also agree with the poster about looking up the word fungible. If a particular need (questionable at best) is assured funding that just frees up the rest of the money to be squandered on some policos favorite boondogle.