Clearing The Air

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Lawmaker learns there are consequences to legislative actions

This article is from 2007 but can help explain alot about our states' budget shortfalls.
http://www.columbusunderground.com/state-government-faces-smoking-ban-side-effect


Ohio’s budget is dependent to the tune of $1 billion a year on smokers lighting up at a time when voters have just dramatically reduced the number of places where they can light up.
(smoking ban)

“We’re of two minds when it comes to cigarettes, aren’t we?” said Gov. Ted Strickland. “We don’t want people to smoke, yet we need the revenue coming from the tax. That’s just one of the multiple contradictions that we find in our society and probably within our budget.”

For the first time, revenue from the tax surpassed the $1 billion mark in the fiscal year that ended June 30 (2006) thanks to a 70-cents per-pack hike that took effect in July, 2005 — the biggest increase in the tax’s 76-year history.

As of Dec. 31, the halfway point of the current fiscal year, taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products were 8.8 percent below last year’s collections.

This is clear cut proof that smoking bans and higher tobacco taxes reduce government tax revenue......even a legislative assistant should be able to figure that one out.

posted by marcus aurelius @ 7:44 AM

<< Home

About Me

My Photo
Name: marcus aurelius
Location: Minnesota, United States

View my complete profile

  • Also visit our sponsors at bottom of webpage
  • Boycott these special interests (J & J) who destroyed the hospitality industry & jobs
  • Why does UCSF researcher Stanton Glantz support smoking bans?
  • NRA.org

    Thousands of Deadly Islamic Terror Attacks Since 9/11

    SILVER BULLET GUN OIL CONTAINS 13% USDA LIQUEFIED PIG
FAT

    "Though we may not be able to protect your business property rights, we certainly support your Second Amendment Rights"

    Shop for Aircleaners

    Combustion Engine Emissions Eliminator (CE3)


     

     

     

    StatCounter - Free Web Tracker and Counter