Budget & Tax
145-percent tax hike a bad idea
May 5, 2017
Jonathan Small
Tax increases are often a two-edged sword, and that is especially true of the proposed 145-percent cigarette tax increase ($1.50 per pack) currently being pushed by some tax-consumers. In this case, especially, it is a glaring warning to be careful what you wish for.
The justifications are obvious: smoking is bad for you, and the state budget needs money. A perfect solution, we are told. Except for its dramatic imperfections.