A SAMPLING OF YOUR RESPONSES:
I feel the only reason cigarettes are being considered for the tax is smoking has become sociably unaceptable. It is the governments pet peive and what they think the majority of the public wants. If you want to raise money fast, increased taxing on alcohol would, in my opinion, do just as good or better since there are probably more people that comsume alcohol than smoke.
Mike, Fayetteville, WV
30 percent of the population of wayne county is in poverty, how is making that 30 percent pay even more money (they dont have) a good idea. People have it hard enough around these parts, making them pay more for ANYTHING is a bad idea. Why doesnt gov.wise worry more about bringing paying jobs that are worth having here instead of boosting prices on cigarettes. If you want to generate money there wise, raise the rich mans taxes, and do not make the poor who already struggle to get by week to week pay anymore taxes. Oh thats right, they dont have the money to donate to you for your re-eletion.
Joey Castro
It deters youth smoking and returns money to the struggling medical system that is overloaded with smoking-related illnesses. The health groups are correct, it should be even higher!
Ben, Ceredo
should have been a $1.00
Deborah Woods, Spencer
So what is next. The real problem is management of the state government for the last decade. Should we tax food since we are one of the states with the most overweight citzens per capita???
Mike Stump, Charleston
I am a reformed smoker. I believe that the taxes should be raised ever higher. We can bring in more money to the state and it may encourage even more people to quit smoking. Y'all need to quit smoking around our kids anyway.
Trinette R. Brady-Holliday, Cross Lanes
It's ridiculous to think that the smoking population should have to pay for the governments budget. Where are our rights? Why are we the only ones paying huge taxes? The state already makes a huge profit off of us smokers and now they want to make more? I, for one, will not pay these higher prices. If this goes through I'll go elsewhere to buy my cigarettes and this state won't see a penny from me.
Melissa, Charleston
I think it should be more than that. The people how smoke cigarettes will have no choice but to pay more for cigarettes because they believe that they can't stop. It is a great move.
Travis Knight, Richwood, W.V.
this move could persuade smokers who cant afford the new tax to quit smoking and lead them to better health.
Amber Truluck, Brandenburg
As a smoker I do not feel that the smoking population should be singled out to pay higher taxes when the benefit of the tax increase will go to all of WV. I do admit that smoking is a bad habit but why should I be discriminated against because of it. Smokers have already been banned from doing so in several businesses and restaurants. If we can't associate with non-smokers why should we carry the tax burden?
Ginny, Culloden
Tax something else, not the smokers.
T. Stephanoff, Taylor
i dont think so because smokers are going to pay with there lives evenually. so why charge them more money? the extra money should go to there funeral bill
Mike Elkins, Griffithsville
No because if people dont have no money and plus it is hard to quit.
Nick Allison, Charleston
There are other things they can tax.What about the lotto money that was recieved.What about alcoholic beverages.They have raised the tax on cigarettes in the past thats not the only thing that can be taxed.
Kim, Davin
I can't understand why this state is in financial difficulty. We are taxed to death. The lottery was supposed to do so much! Take a look at your real estate/pers. tax tickets! Enough already! Everytime the state needs more they look to the people for it. If some of the politicians had to live on our salaries, they would go nuts! My husband lost his job in August, we can't afford anymore! It's time for West Virginians to speak up and say, We've had enough!
Sandra Kay Ashworth, St. Albans
The amount of this tax is a testimony to how seriously the issue of general health is taken. Multiple studies have proven that this excise tax is effective in lowering the number of smokers, and a recent study proved that it was super-effective among middle schoolers, among whom approximately 6% currently smoke, compared to the 12% who smoked before an excise tax was put into place. Nobody on the face of this planet can say that smoking is a good idea. We are all fully aware of the risks it entails, and this tax is just another way of letting people know that quitting is truly the best option
Laura Ward
Why just raise a tax that singles out a select portion of the population? Why should the smokers have to pay extra and not everyone? Let's just try not wasting so much money and leave the taxes alone. Or better yet, let's tax everyone equally. Between the gas taxes, food taxes, personal property taxes, and cigarette taxes I believe enough is enough!! We should budget the State as we budget our homes, stay within our means.
Joel Conner, Elkview
there are plenty of other ways to make money for the state. there is no reason to punish those of us who smoke
Zach Ashworth, Scott Depot
Taxes,Taxes,Taxes! Why do we need more tax on cigarette's? Not because it is bad for you? But because its the one thing that they can all raise taxes on without causing a rumble in the politcal circle. Raising taxes don't stop smokers from smoking and teens from starting. It just makes it harder for the hard working man or woman to afford the things they like too do. Why not keep raising the taxes on alcohol and see if it stops the drunk drivers from killing so many innocent people on the highway's each year.
Adam J Talarovich, Seoul S.Korea
Cigarettes are already taxed to death. Put the tax on something other than cigarettes and gas!
Karel King, Crown City
55 cents is more than enough for a cig. tax. To help raise tax money it should not be fron one selected group. It would not hurt many to add another 2 or 3 cents on gasoline. I think there are just as many in WV that drive a motor vehicle if not more and they all have to travel in some type of motorize vehicle or another.
Kelly L. Tillis, Cross Lanes
May help keep kids off cigarettes
David Hinzman, Ripley
Insted of raising the price of ciggerettes to help the state, why not raise the taxes on alcohol making it harder for underage drinkers to purchase. When is the last time that you have heard of a person killing someone while driving with a cigerette? Smoking is a personal choice, and smokers are already being taxed enough.
Kimberliegh, Charleston
I think that if the cigarette tax is raised, then alcohol should be also. There are more people who stand in line to buy bottles of alcohol at the Rite Aid stores than who stand in line to buy cigarettes. You don't see people standing in line to buy cigarettes, however people do stand in line to buy bottles of alcohol. So why not raise the taxes on alcohol???? Why do they not ever talk about raising taxes on alcohol??? Never hear about that. Isn't that strange????
R. Hudson, Montgomery, WV
It should not be raised. The cost of living is getting out of hand anyway. People just work now to pay their bills. We smokers have rights too
Lesa Moats, Hacker Valley
Need to get state spending under control first. We already pay too much in taxes and fees.
Scarberry, Statts Mills
Why don't they impose a higher grocery tax...because that would affect everyone..they just want the smokers to pay. NOT FAIR! How come we never hear about a higher liquor tax? i hope there are a lot of smokers in WV government!!
david crawford, ripley
The tax on liquor should also be raised. Smoking and drinking usually go hand in hand.
Kathy Tolbert, Cross Lanes, WV
The cost as smokers age for health care will climb and climb, let smokers contribute to that cost
D Six, Harrisville
Yes, I do believe that the cigarette tax should be increased. This would be the first raise in the state tax on cigarettes in close to 20 years--over that period of time, the state of WV has paid millions of dollars towards health related issues related to cigarette smoking and it is time that the individuals who are smoking help to pay for the resulting health issues.
D Jett, Dunbar
Need to raise taxes on alcohol purchases.
Mike Proctor, Pinch
I personally think it should be more.
Jeanette Casto, Cross Lanes
Darn tootin' !!
Yosemite Sam, Yosemite, CA
Why not go to $1.00 Smoking is bad an second hand smoke is bad.
Jerry Ryder, Elkview
Not no, but HELL NO!
Ethel Bunker, Charleston
Tax cigarettes and alcohol. Make food stamp purchases pay taxes too. Use the revenue to fund decent salaries for teachers.
Jim Butler, Charleston
I think if he wants to raise taxes on anything he should do a little more than cigaretts. What about Alchohol. He is so out that cigaretts are bad, at least a cigarette doesn't take inicent lives. A person can get a way from a cigarette but you can't get away from a Drunk Driver !!
Chasity B., Montgomery
I don't want to see an increase in cigarette taxes. However, I feel that if cigarette taxes are to be increased, fast food and alcohol should also be taxed. I would estimate that obesity kills more than smokers, but regardless, everyone should assist in raising 60 million dollars, certainly not one targeted group.
Sabine Meadows, Nitro
Smokers cost the rest of us $$!!! He should do the same for alcohol & smokeless tobacco.
Sarah, Charleston
Definitely no. Although I am not a smoker and oppose smoking, there are more citizens that drink beer and other alcoholic beverages. Why not raise taxes on this? After all, there are more families that have problems because of drinking and more innocent people killed because of drunk drivers than there are from people smoking cigarettes. Have you ever known anyone to be killed from someone smoking and driving? It's obvious by raising taxes on cigarettes that it is is a way to get people to quit smoking. Surely there are better alternatives?
Cheryl, Summersville, WV
I think they thould Quit selling sigarettes. It should be illegal to sell them just like other drugs. I have some friends that do it and they are only 13. I have now lost those friends becasue some of them have died and the rest i am not hanging out with them anymore.This may not be true but i think it is the number one cause of death. I think it is good to raise the price but it would be a lot better to stop selling them!!
Anna Booth, Hurricane
If they want to raise more money for the state, they should pick a product to tax that would affect a larger majority of the populace equally, instead of just targeting certain subsections repeatedly, time and time again. Also, I find that the claims that increased taxes will prevent underage smoking is ridiculous. If underage smokers want them, they will find a way to get them, as awful as that sounds.
Benjamin M. Sloan, Dunbar
I think its time they stop hasseling the smokers and start tring to find other ways to generate money,they recieved a settlement from the tobacco companys,that was suppose to go toward health care,but instead of using it for that,they instead spent it on everything else,including past issues,pay raises., They need to leave the smokers alone,maybe they need to take a pay cut themself,and do their part in the fight for health care.
Pamela, Rock Cave
Maybe it will cut back on the amount of smokers. They always complain about their rights to smoke, well what about out rights to not have to smell their smoke!
Karissa, Huntington
Why do they always want to attack smokers?What about chewing tabacco? They ought to tax it all not just cigs..Why not cut something other than cigeretts.They are plenty other things out there that i can think of besides cigerettes.Leave us smokers alone for a change!!!What about all these prisoners that they support in jail and all these state cars on the road used for personal use??What about somethings in the government and state offices..How about cutting some of there pay.People who kill themselves working for a living who only get paid minium wage and the others for the state and government get paid BIG BUCKS for nothing! The list goes on.
christine given, webster county
This will only hurt business in W.V. and send customers into cheaper states. We just had an increase in smokeless tobacco, along with an increase by manufactor coming next week, its a struggle for our retailer now.
Debbie Schmitt
No I do not think this is a good idea. I do not smoke and I believe it is not fair to the ones who do. Why punish some people and not all. Why not increase food tax or tax beer 50 cents a can. I am sure if Mr wise smoked he wouldn't want to raise it. Why dont all elected officials take a pay cut and then they wouldn't have to raise anything.
Lee Sanders, Morrisvale
Absolutely!! The cost to tax payers of care of individuals with chronic illness attributed to cigarette smoking might be somewhat offset. And the added advantage is a deterrent to current and would-be smokers. I'm all for it and think an even higher tax is appropriate.
Sandra Bernarai, Martinsburg
I think that if they are going to raise the tax on cigarettes they should raise tax on beer and other alcoholic beverages. More people are killed by drunk driving than people who smoke. Therefore, beer/alcoholic beverages should cost way more than cigarettes and have taxes raised on them also.
Tina Baughman, Lizemores
I think they should charge as much as they want. It is a disgusting habit! Not only are the smokers damaging their own health, but also the people around them & that is not right!
T Adkins, Huntington
It will just make the people that are adicted to it even more poor
Cj, Scott Depot
This item is a lethal weapon that we allow underage consumers access to. it has to stop!
Baxter Ray, Vinton,OH
I believe smokers already punish themselfs enough, They don't need any help from the Government. There are alot of people that simply can't quit. Raising taxes doesn't help them quit, it only sends them farther into poverty.
Bill Reece, dunbar
The poor people pay enough taxes in wv every thing is taxed they should tax wine and beer they kill as many if not more people then cigerettes.
Linda Halley, Danville
I think that if West Virginia's benefited from the 55 cent increase it would not be all so bad. As you can tell from the road conditions in Point Pleasant, Leon and all Mason County and many other counties no effort or money is put toward fixing anything just come by and see. Like for example rt 62, Jim Hill, Main Street Point Pleasant, High School Parking Lots, Heating Units at the High School you practically freeze or sweat mainly freeze, many things take a look at West Virginia, Wild and Wonderful, better check again. So should they raise taxes, no because they don't do anything but what they want for themselves and not to improve the state. So Gov. Bob Wise we think your wrong again. Do something good and your people will stand behind you.
Ashlee Smith and Mary McCullough, Point Pleasant
When you smoke its a life choice,and usually the goverment has to pick up the tab on related health issues. so yes if you vote to put yourself and others in danger,pay the price.
Debby Yeigh, Winfield
Why do smokers have to pay- shouldn't we put tax on fast food-it's killing people too!
Jeff Hersman, Mason
what happen to all the money given to WV from tobacco co? we sure didnt get any, now he wants us to give him more. cut the state officials pay to our level and they would have money!!!!!
Roy Leonard, Applegrove, WV
Let's attack alcohol for a while. Alcohol not only kills innocent people but it also has destroyed many families. I'd sure rather breath some second hand smoke than pass a drunk driver on the road. How much taxpayers money is spent on extra law enforcement during holidays? My family recently went to a high priced restaurant to celebrate three family birthdays, that included my 67 year old mother and three of my children. We dared not light up but we were exposed to six very obnoxious drunk men seated beside us. They were loud, rude and I believe the waitresses could have filed several sexual harrassment charges if they had chosen to do so. I had symphathy and a new found respect for what waitresses have to endure just to make a living. It was the most miserable dinner I have had in a long time because I was really nervous not knowing what they were going to do next. But that was ok because they were non-smokers! They are going to ban smoking in restaurants and bars, but you can go to either and drink then drive yourself home. I'll pay extra for cigarettes but lets be fair and put a little extra on some alcohol. Oh wait, could this be because we have so many politicians who endulge!?
Debbie, Elkview
I have no clue I just do
Phyllis Clagg, Huntington
People are going to smoke them no matter how high you raise them to! The Gov is only interested in making the money, give the community a break!
Jenny, Poca
Why is it always cigarette', why dont they raise taxex on alcohol, or bar owners.
david little, kenova
yes i do think people who smoke are going to regret it later in life or already do but to raise the price isnt going to stop them from smokeing, they know that it's unhealthy when they purchase the cigarettes and to raise money by thier bad addictions is only hurting them because their are alot of people who can barely offored groceries and are so addicted that they will purchase cigarettes before food and what is worst is that they may have young children they need to feed, jobs dont pay enough any more.
brandy mossburg, parkersburg
Make it 1.00 and we will save money on health care that we have to pay for all the smokers that dont pay for their own health insurance
Greg Harkins, St. Albans
They are always raising the taxes on cigarettes but NEVER do you hear anything about the whiskey.wines and that would get in the rich pockets. It should be our choice if we want to smoke so why keep raising taxes and making it so hard on the poor. Just let the cigarettes be and leave the taxes alone.
Betty Johnson, Sod, WV
I say there should be no drugs! DRUG FREE...THE WAY TO BE!
A.C. Wise, Ravenswood
Its unfair to those people who smoke, the people who smoke do so by there own free will. So why punish them for it.
Reginald Huffman, Nitro
No I don't. What about those fat-ass people who eat a freakin box of twinkies and ding-dongs every day and then curl up with a god-damn gallon of cool-whip at night? Is this lifestyle not just as fucking un-healthy? The Kroger corp. knows who these unhealthy bastards are (since one has to have that piece-of-shit card to shop there).
Richard Simmons, Cabin Creek
I don't think raising cigarette tax should be done ,because there are other ways to raise taxes like beer.I have never heard of anyone getting an SSI check for being a smoker ,but there are all kinds of people getting a check for being a sloppy,slubbering alcoholic.
Pamela K. Jividen, Hometown
I think the tax should be more like $2.00 a pack
Jeff Dameron, Hurricane
I dont smoke or drink but i think its time they tax beer and alcohol they could at least half it between the two
teressa, powellton
Yes! As much as smoking costs the state for healthcare we should be getting some of it back.
Nina Cooper, Nellis
People are going to smoke regardless of how much they are. WV will lose business because patrons will travel to Va. or elsewhere to get cigarettes.Wherever they may find them cheaper.
DEBBIE, DANESE
Yes. I would love for my 3 daughters to grow up in a smokeless invironment. By making cigarettes more expensive this may give my children a better chance at a healthier environment. Less People smoking if they can't afford to buy them!
Tammy, Charleston
Not only on cigarettes but all tobacco products. Anything that would discourage people, especially teens, from using tobacco has got to be good.There's just too much pain and suffering caused by tobacco use and it's a shame that goverment has to take measures to protect it's citizens by raising taxes.
Tom Criner, Midway
If a person want to smoke that their business , It their lungs , It their body ,it nobody's business. I been smoking from 1974 to now 2003.
Michael Parker, Grafton
why not raise it on beer. Although second hand smoke may affect me, it will not kill me like a drunk driver can.
Debby petry, marmet
No I don't think he should put that kind of a tax on cigarettes . My smoking kills no one but me. If he wants to tax something, why don't he do something with the alcohol. There are more deaths done by drunk drivers than by smoking cigarettes. One thing is for sure , when I'm out driving , I won't be taking someone's life because I'm smoking a cig. A drunk driver can't say that. We have a wonderful Gov. but let's do something about the drunks and their alcohol. No more tax on us who smoke. I does'nt stop us from doing it , it just makes you want one worse.
Cora Legg, Poca
Originally from Dunbar, WV - Cigarettes should be banned altogether !
Lisa Tillis, Raleigh, NC
Let thme pay for the rising cost of medical care, medical malpractice. It is unfair for non-smokers to bear the cost we don't all smoke. The United States Department of Health has determined that cigarette smoking is hazardous to our health.
BJ Mathias, Bluefield, WV
Health groups and our so called gov. should look at a more real public health issue ( alchohol ). When I have smoked 3 or 4 cigarettes and drive my car it doesn't endanger other peoples lives or when my husband or boyfriend smokes a pack of cigarettes, his personality isn't going to change and beat me. Tax the alcohol,make it harder for people to buy. WAKE-UP!! Alcohol kills more teenagers and adults than cigarettes. I say raise the tax on alcohol instead. When is the last time you heard of a family of 4 being killed by a smoking driver?
molly timbs, walton
they need to spread the taxes around. dont put it so mutch on one product.. (they should raise the tax on all that cheap liquor they must be drinking when they come up with these revenue raising ideas...)
rick clark, parkersburg
We should be smarter than that. If our cigarette prices are lower than our bordering states, people from Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Maryland will come to West Virginia to buy their cigarettes. That's income in the State's pocket and they'll probably buy more than cigarettes while in W. Va., which would be more income for our State. We need to get beyond taxing and taxing our citizens -- and be more competitive with our surroundings to make it worth people's time and money to spend it here in W. Va.
LJStevens, South Charleston
If the state needs the extra money let them tax the food. That is the only fair tax there is. The poor, middle income and rich all pay their share of the tax. When just taxing one group of people that is not the American way. If I were to say that we should only tax black people and not white then I would be racist. Governor Wise is a racist in his own way by only wanting to tax smokers.
Patty Wells, Sandyville
ANSWER TODAY'S QUESTION OF THE DAY
|
|
|
|
READ COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Would support legislation that would make it child abuse for a pregnant woman to use drugs?
Does a police presence on flights make you feel safer?
Do you think the amber alert system is an effective tool?
Would you vote for the city user fee?
Will you go hunting during gun buck season?
Will you give to your favorite charity this holiday season?
Do you think Jack Whittaker has a bad rap in West Virginia?
Do you think Gov. Joe Manchin would make a good Vice President?
Do you think U.S. troops should stay in Iraq?
Do you think sexual abuse in West Virginia schools has gotten out of hand?
Do you think any Republican candidate can defeat Senator Robert Byrd?
Should charges be filed against any students caught burning couches after the WVU Virginia Tech game this weekend?
Do you think Senator Robert Byrd will win his re-election bid in 2006?
MORE QUESTIONS IN THE QOD ARCHIVE
|
