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Proposed cigarette tax
by Marya Tyler

 

April 27, 2004
Tuesday


Dear SitNews,

Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things anyone could ever do. The average smoker tries eight times before successfully quitting tobacco. Most smokers (84%) say they wish they could quit.

This week the state legislature is determining the success or failure of a tax increase that could help thousands of Alaskans quit smoking. It is estimated that by raising the cigarette tax one dollar, 4,500 Alaskans will be emboldened to quit smoking. That means they will have more money-- more money for their families, more money for the dinner table.

Furthermore, the proposed cigarette tax increase is expected to reduce youth smoking by 15%.

When smokers quit, it benefits all of us. Currently, each pack of cigarettes that is sold costs you, the taxpayer, $6.38 in Medicaid costs.

This issue is being decided this week. If you have an opinion about this issue, email Representative_Bill_Williams@legis.state.ak or call 800-301-2455 and leave a message.


Marya Tyler
E-mail: mtyler@peacehealth.org
Ketchikan, AK - USA

 

 

Note: Comments published on Viewpoints are the opinions of the writer
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.


 

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