Posted on 09/19/2012 6:55:32 PM PDT by SMGFan
ated: Sep 19, 2012 9:57 AM EDT HEALTHDAY NEWS - New research finds that high cigarette taxes take a heavy toll on low-income smokers, compared to those who are wealthier.
In a study, researchers at RTI International found that poor smokers in New York state -- which has the country's highest state cigarette tax at $4.35 a pack -- spent about 25 percent of their household income on cigarettes. Nationally, the average spending was about 14 percent.
By contrast, the richest smokers nationwide and in New York spent about 2 percent of their household income on cigarettes.
"Excise taxes are effective in changing smokers' behavior," study author Matthew Farrelly, chief scientist and senior director of RTI's public health policy research program, said in an RTI statement. "But not all smokers are able to quit, and low-income smokers are disproportionately burdened by these taxes."
Despite the high taxes in New York state, the study found that the percentage of people with incomes under $25,000 who smoked didn't decline from 2003-2004 to 2009-2010.
"Special efforts are needed to reduce smoking among those with low incomes," Farrelly said. "States, especially New York, generate significant revenue from cigarette taxes, but only a small percentage of that money is used for tobacco control programs. It seems only fair that states with high cigarette taxes should adequately fund cessation interventions for low-income smokers who shoulder a disproportionate share of cigarette taxes."
The researchers relied on surveys of more than 13,000 people.
The study, funded by New York State Health Department, appeared Sept. 12 in the journal PLoS One.
Do they actually think the states WANT people to quit?
Too much tax revenue would be lost.
Hypocrites.
_______________________________________________________
Why do you think there is a focus on ‘fat people and food’ as of late?
Quit smoking......gain weight....profit!
They disproportionately tax whom ever chooses to smoke.
Wait till they decide that driving a car toward another car at 75 MPH with only feet separating you is dangerous.
Wait til they figure out that when you strap little JR into a toddler car seat he is directly above 25 ga of explosive.
Wait till they figure out that sugar makes folks fat and cause diabetes.
Wait till they figure out knives can cut.
Wait till they figure out nitrates used to cure tasty bacon aint that great for ya.
Enjoy your smug, and your new taxes.
Well then, if you are poor enough to pick up an Obama-phone with your EBT card, let’s give you a voucher for a few packs of cigs.
College educated people did this study. College educated people needed this study. LMAO
Ah, a lot of them do, thanks to the "self-esteem" movement, and by the time the get to university, they think they are entitled to good grades without doing work. Such people usually become ed majors.
Under the law you must pay the tax even if you grow your own.
They expect the tax if you make your own fuel as well.
/johnny
Exactly, its a tax on stupidity.
The tax on tobacco is so disproportionate that it is insane.
Congrats Gov.
Another fine job of divide and conquer, while getting people in a majority to set precedent to tax another group of citizens at an insane rate.
Think about it people.
Not off hand, but I assure you it is true.
/johnny
Fuel tax... yes.
Home grown tobacco? No.
Homebrewed beer/wine? No.
/johnny
You guys are OK with “sin tax”?
What’s your Constitutional/Biblical/ethical basis for that?
Just curious- there are lots of sins we could tax...
Since when is that a basis for taxation, let alone extreme taxation?
I understand that folks here are hyped up because the article says it spreads the tax to the poor
I understand that people hate smoke.
I hate 120 decibel exhaust pipes and BOOM BOOM sounds systems.
I don’t blow smoke in other peoples face and I would never use a tax to stop people from blowing their eardrums out.
You understand this FRiend.
They are on Michelle O’s team with this!
There's nothing more destructive to a society than a large number of professional malcontents who engage in self-destructive behavior, then blame someone else for it.
It is not just sin tax.
It’s divide and conquer taxation.
No, they don't. You are permitted to grow 1/10th of an acre for personal consumption, no tax involved.
They expect the tax if you make your own fuel as well.
I know nothing about that.
No. The IRS wants that Tobacco money.
The point is that Taxes are insane on ALL of us.
Probably went out for a long, healthy jog on a public sidewalk right next to a busy major paved road, breathing in deeply the deadly vehicle exhaust fumes...the same fumes that cause global warming/ climate change!
Now if next “they” as in our unelected silent government overlords, would completely ban cars and trucks from roads...CodeToad could blissfully exercise in peace all he wants...untill it's time for his elective hip-replacement surgery... LOL!
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