Gov. Warner is meeting with the money committees of the general assembly today to lay out his plan to close the $1.5B deficit. I don't see how he can close that gap without increasing some taxes somewhere. Increasing the "sin taxes" has been discussed in the media. But I don't think he can impose the tax increase - the GA has to include in the Appropriations Act. The GA doesn't meet until Jan/Feb - AFTER the sales tax referendum in NoVa and Hampton. It'll be interesting to see if he can get a cigarette tax increase through.
A new Mason-Dixon poll, which will be released this week by a coalition of public health groups, suggests Virginians strongly support a 60-cent tax increase on packs of cigarettes. SUGGESTS Virginians strongly support! Oh really! Any poll done by a group of “do gooders” is always bias!
said Pete Fisher, assistant director of advocacy for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Fisher's organization commissioned the poll along with the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.
NEVER trust any of the people from ANY of these Society’s, Associations, Coalitions. They will put the screws to you every time.
Oh REALLY! If so many smokers will QUIT with a TAX INCREASE, how do you purpose to get your MONEY?
The American Lung Association reports that more states have raised taxes this year than in any year since 1969. The organization also reports that the money is not being used for educational programs in most states.
"The funding would not go to fill holes in our budget," Townsend campaign spokeswoman Kate Philips said. "It's a discretionary tax - if you don't want to pay the tax, then don't smoke."
Now! Where did we hear THIS before??!!
When I was in Virginia a couple weeks ago, a pack of Doral's was actually more expensive there than it is in Delaware. Granted it was only a penny - but still and all.
I don't care - I still want to move to Virginia and out of Delaware as soon as I can sell this house of mine.
I hope Virginia keeps the cigarette tax right where it is. It makes for more interesting inter-state commerce.