Aug 25
Are Cigarettes the Answer to State Budget Shortfalls?
2009 at 7:45 am | posted by Rep. Craig Frank 3 comments
Several state political leaders have suggested that because of projected state revenue shortfalls projected in next year’s budget, it might be appropriate to raise the tax on Cigarettes. Currently, the state cigarette taxes is 69.5 cents per pack (20 sticks). Doubling the cigarette tax would bring Utah closer to the national average. But, is this really the question? Or, are there other ways to solve the state’s budget woes without targeting 11% of the state’s population of smokers? Alcohol? Caffeine? Further budget cuts in “non-essential” services?
Previous blog: Smokin’ A Butt…Gonna Cost You More? Link HERE.
Read this Deseret News article and then weigh in… Link HERE.
3 Responses to “Are Cigarettes the Answer to State Budget Shortfalls?”
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August 25th, 2009 at 8:39 am
You know what we do in my house when we have a project shortfall for the coming year’s budget?
We spend less. Today’s economy is not the one to raises taxes in, even if it is a tax on a horrid habit like smoking.
August 25th, 2009 at 8:39 am
*projected
August 26th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
They have cut and cut and cut. Their are certain things that can only be cut so far. If their are more “non-essential” services that can be cut fine cut um, But cutting things like education, and road repair, and chip any further is like cutting the mortgage payment from your house out.
Personally however I see the state budget issue as being something that involves all in the state targeting a certain group for extra taxation seems a bit unfair. Maybe it’s time to consider raising the state sales tax.