Rendell says budget close, urges cooling off Oct 6, 2009
Whether a true agreement is in the works remains anybody s guess. Gov. Ed Rendell said a deal was close, but previous signs of progress have not produced a comprehensive spending plan for the 2009-10 year that began July 1. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Schools taking steps to curb young student smokers Oct 5, 2009
President Barack Obama recently passed an act to increase cigarette taxes. He has also gotten Congress, and even Philip Morris USA, the producers of Marlboro cigarettes, onboard to adopt his new Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. (Daily Orange, NY)
Despite Order, Smokes on Sale at NY Reservation Sep 26, 2009
Those stores, which collectively sell millions of cartons annually to people looking to evade the nation's highest cigarette taxes in nearby New York City, appeared to have closed. At one, the Peace Pipe smoke shop, a woman stood at the door turning away a steady stream of would-be customers. (ABC News -- Wire)
Greene County Clerk opposes DMV fee hikes Sep 19, 2009
n Enforcing a state law to collect cigarette taxes on Native American reservations would bring in a new revenue source worth $500 million. n Tackling Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse, estimated to be 10 percent of total Medicaid spending, could save taxpayers hundreds of millions within the next few years. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Oneida Nation joins the tobacco industry Sep 18, 2009
She urged federal and state lawmakers to take steps to ensure laws governing collection of cigarette taxes are upheld, since such taxes deter some people from using tobacco products ... For many years, the state has failed to collect cigarette taxes on products sold by Indian businesses to non-Indians despite court rulings that such tax collections are legal. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Rendell meeting with lawmakers ends inconclusively Sep 15, 2009
On Friday, the House Democrats and both parties in the Senate announced a plan that requires higher business and cigarette taxes, as well as table games in casinos, as a breakthrough agreement to end a budget stalemate that, more than two months into the fiscal year, leaves Pennsylvania the last state in the nation still fighting over its 2009-10 spending plan. The tentative budget agreement would draw $2. (Milton Standard Journal, PA)
Study: More Americans at Higher Risk of Heart Disease Sep 15, 2009
Both continue to drop, and with recent federal action to boost cigarette taxes and allow the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco for the first time, the decline in smoking may actually accelerate. (Indeed, last year, the share of Americans who use tobacco fell below 20% for the first time in modern memory. (Time.com)
Pa. lawmakers outline deal to end budget impasse Sep 12, 2009
lawmakers outline deal to end budget impasse - Somerset - Daily American. However, they acknowledged that many details remained to be worked out. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Kentuckys August revenue down 1.8 percent Sep 11, 2009
Cigarette taxes increased by 83. 3 percent. (Louisville Business First, KY)
What did children learn today from Joe Wilson? Sep 11, 2009
- - He said that despite the indisputable fact that he raised cigarette taxes by 150% and raised the tax on one of the poorest well-defined minority groups in the country, smokers so poor they roll their own from shreds of tobacco and scraps of paper, by OVER TWO THOUSAND PERCENT (from $1/lb to $24/lb). See. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Hynes: Raise taxes on the wealthiest Sep 3, 2009
For example, he would expand the number of casinos, raise cigarette taxes and end certain kinds of tax breaks aimed at luring businesses to the state. Each of those ideas have failed to gain traction in recent years. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Good health, less burden Sep 3, 2009
The Sydney Morning Herald - Business News, World News & Breaking News in Australia Skip directly to: Search Box, , , Text Version. A national prevention strategy to reduce illness and disability is overdue, writes George Rubin. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
BUTTLEGGERS LOSE ONE Sep 1, 2009
All New York cigarette taxes are paid up-front by a limited number of wholesalers -- except on packs bound for reservations ... And the city and state's hefty cigarette taxes will always provide a huge profit motive for smugglers. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Booze, candy taxes set to go up Tuesday Aug 30, 2009
But while lawmakers pushed through the alcohol and sales tax increases, they took a pass on raising cigarette taxes. The Illinois Senate signed off on raising the tax on cigarettes by a $1 a pack over two years, but the House declined. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
An Imaginary Conversation on Taxes Aug 27, 2009
Yet your Democratic Congress already has raised cigarette taxes, which fall most heavily on the middle class. To fund ObamaCare for the young. (Townhall.com)
Navigation Unit to get more funds for patrols Aug 26, 2009
But a recent report that Gov. Paterson allowed 65 million of potential American Indian cigarette taxes to go uncollected has spurred the Senate to act ... He described the money that could be collected on cigarette taxes as low-hanging fruit to help ease the state's economic troubles. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Cigarette tax unfair to some businesses Aug 14, 2009
However, cigarette taxes - like the one being proposed by the Juneau Assembly - places an unfair burden on small enterprises, especially convenience store owners and other retailers ... However, cigarette taxes - like the one being proposed by the Juneau Assembly - places an unfair burden on small enterprises, especially convenience store owners and other retailers ... However, cigarette taxes - like the one being proposed by the Juneau Assembly - places an unfair burden on small enterprises,... (Juneau Empire)
Kids lose health care in Healthy Families cuts Aug 14, 2009
First Five California, which collects about 500 million from cigarette taxes to finance developmental programs for children, has offered to cover some of the costs. "We have committed to aid with funding, but we don't have an amount yet," said Bill Madison, spokesman for the state's First Five Commission. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Ruth Balser: Balser has record of teamwork and tax hikes Aug 13, 2009
8/02 increase cigarette taxes, drivers license fees and speeding ticket fines; rescind. 3 percent reduction in income tax (YES). (Newton Tab, MA)
Laws, taxes cast haze over cigar shop owners Aug 11, 2009
When Congress hiked cigarette taxes this year, cigars did not escape the attention of lawmakers, who imposed a tax increase between about 5 and 40 cents per cigar. The industry now fears that state legislatures, many of which are trying to close big budget gaps, will follow suit. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
HIDDEN 'REFORM' COSTS: THE HEALTH COPS Aug 10, 2009
Such reasoning is already used to partly justify mind-boggling cigarette taxes in places like New York. Smokers drive up government health-care bills (e. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Pennsylvania income tax rate will not go up Aug 4, 2009
With the income tax increase dead, House leaders said remaining options include: postponing the planned phase-out of a tax on businesses' assets; eliminating some existing exemptions to the state sales tax (but not on food and clothing); increasing cigarette taxes and enacting new taxes on cigars and smokeless tobacco; enacting a new tax on natural gas; or legalizing table games in casinos and/or video poker in bars and taverns. Mr. DeLuca claimed that eliminating the current sales tax exemption... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Branstad says he may run again Aug 3, 2009
DaddyTJ wrote on Aug 2, 2009 3:07 PM:" So a guy who successfully ran this state for 16 years isn't qualified to run this state again? Chet doesn't have a clue as to what it takes to run this state. What's he done since he's been in office? Ooh, he raised cigarette taxes thinking that'd fix everything...what a fool. Next election will see the Republican's take back over as the people are tired of the fools who are in office now (i.e. the Kerry Burt democrats) who are running the state into the... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
DC Council Passes Budget With Tax Increases Aug 2, 2009
WASHINGTON (WUSA/AP) -- The DC Council has adopted a budget that includes increases in sales, gas and cigarette taxes expected to raise $50 million ... One smoker walking through Georgetown said, "Our government needs the money. I don't agree with raising cigarette taxes, but I'm not in the seat.". (W-USA News, DC)
This California Park, Brought To You By... Jul 29, 2009
4 million in income from cigarette taxes because people are smoking less, Coleman said. California State Parks expects another $22 million cut next year. (KCRA 3, CA)
RESERVATION RACKET Jul 28, 2009
But New York's tribes have parlayed that right -- plus the state's sky-high cigarette taxes -- into a booming statewide trade in tax-free smokes illegally sold to non-Indians. And the Cayugas are the least of the offenders. (New York Post -- Opinions)
More Budget cuts in store for Georgia? Jul 25, 2009
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, an Atlanta budget think tank, has recommended the General Assembly consider raising cigarette taxes, hire more auditors, temporarily impose a 1 tax percent surcharge on family income of more than $400,000 and/or reinstate an estate tax. The last two recommendations, institute officials say, would affect less than 1 percent of Georgians. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Big Tobacco Sets Its Sights on Africa Jul 25, 2009
In April, Congress boosted federal cigarette taxes threefold, from 32 cents a pack to $1. In June, President Barack Obama signed a law giving the power to regulate cigarettes like any other food or drug. (Time.com)
Obama headed to Plains, not Hope Jul 23, 2009
He vowed no new taxes on 95 percent of Americans, then jacked up cigarette taxes and indicated a willingness to consider new taxes as part of health care reform. What Obama has not grasped is that Americans understand both irony and cognitive dissonance. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Your views: Letters to the editor Jul 18, 2009
Higher cigarette taxes wont curb smoking. What a great column by FLORIDA TODAY community columnist Marshall Frank last week on the inefficiency of increasing cigarette taxes. (Florida Today)
Perdue offers $1.6B tax plan to end deadlock Jul 17, 2009
Perdue s plan also would raise cigarette taxes by 50 cents per pack and increase taxes on beer, wine and liquor. It would generate much less money than the alcohol tax Perdue sought in March. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
City to consider raising tobacco tax Jul 16, 2009
A health advocacy organization wants the city to raise cigarette taxes in Juneau from 30 cents a pack to $1 ... A health advocacy organization wants the city to raise cigarette taxes in Juneau from 30 cents a pack to $1. (Juneau Empire)
Senecas praise ruling on cigarette sales Jul 15, 2009
In its written decision, the court pointed out that historically New York State has not tried to collect cigarette taxes on Indian reservations and it concluded that the state cannot impose taxes in this case. Because the convenience stores sat on land that was not originally part of the Cayuga Nation, the court also considered whether the stores could legally sell the tax-free cigarettes to non-Cayuga customers. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Cayugas offer to pay counties' legal tab Jul 14, 2009
Nation attorney Dan French said the offer was made Monday afternoon in light of Friday's Appellate Division decision, which stated the tribe does have a qualified reservation and that it cannot be charged with tax evasion since there is an injunction on the law meant to exempt tribes from paying cigarette taxes while still charging non-Indian customers. (The Nation) is concerned the counties will continue to fight, and if they lose, then the residents will be on the hook for thousands of dollars... (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Open Forum: Recall Pawlenty for his arrogance Jul 12, 2009
The article "Experts hope cigarette taxes will help curb smoking" report 17 percent of Minnesotans smoke. Our politicians need to help the experts outs. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Experts hope cigarette taxes will help curb smoking Jul 11, 2009
(Registration is required to view news articles)brainerddispatch. Web Search powered by yahoo. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
new words for weather misery Jul 10, 2009
Clousy: Overcast, cloudy, lousy, threatening skies that make outdoor plans as risky as betting Beacon Hill will OK a $3 cut in cigarette taxes before the next storm shows up on Doppler. Frogginess: Condition caused by fog and light rain. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
NC governor offers $1.6B tax plan to end deadlock Jul 8, 2009
Perdue's plan also would raise cigarette taxes by 50 cents per pack and increase alcohol taxes. Copyright. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
N.J. signs off on state budget Jul 8, 2009
Under the current fiscal year budget, cigarette taxes increased 12. 5 cents per pack to $2. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Perdue wants 1¢ sales tax hike Jul 8, 2009
Perdue wants a 50-cent-per-pack increase in cigarette taxes, down from the $1 per pack she requested in March, plus 2 cents more on cans of beer and a 2 percent increase on alcohol. The "sin taxes" are viewed as regressive, hitting the poor disproportionately. (News & Observer)
Breaking News Jul 5, 2009
The Rudd government says it's committed to reducing smoking rates but has refused to confirm reports it's set to almost double cigarette taxes. --> Topics. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Local Oil Producers: Sacramento Budget Proposal Is 'Nuts' Jul 1, 2009
9 percent oil severance tax on every barrel of oil extracted in the state, in addition to higher vehicle registration fees and new cigarette taxes to raise billions in revenue and avoid the possibility that the state will issue IOU's to creditors. "To ask the Kern County oil industry to solve the budget of the state of California is just nuts," Les Clark, of the Kern Independent Oil Producers Agency, said. (KERO 23, CA)
New laws taking effect today Jul 1, 2009
Sixty-five new state laws go into effect today, including the $1-per-pack increase in cigarette taxes. Others will. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
State lawmakers' allowances, benefits cut Jul 1, 2009
A Democratic-controlled legislative committee proposed increasing cigarette taxes by $1. 50 per pack and imposing a 9. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Price of tobacco just got costlier Jul 1, 2009
With Florida's cigarette taxes ready to jump by $1 a pack today, the longtime Daytona Beach smoker tried to haggle a discount on 20 cartons of the brand 305s ... "I'm so sick of them cigarette taxes," said Kelley, 75. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
California: Put it On the Tab Jun 30, 2009
The State Assembly's current budget plan calls for increases in vehicle registration fees, cigarette taxes, and a 10% tax on oil production in the state. "I will veto any bill that punishes taxpayers for Sacramento's failure to live within its means," the Governor declared on June 29. (BusinessWeek)
Budget session yielding progress Jun 29, 2009
Barbours proposal to raise more cigarette taxes put him at odds with some of his fellow Republicans. Some objected to the tax increase included in an omnibus budget bill that cleared the Senate. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Prepare for life to get a lot more expensive Jun 29, 2009
Real property taxes, hotel room taxes, conveyance taxes, income taxes, cigarette taxes and taxes on gasoline all are going up on Wednesday, July 1 ... Real property taxes, hotel room taxes, conveyance taxes, income taxes, cigarette taxes and taxes on gasoline all are going up on Wednesday, July 1. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Business owners wrestle with pros and cons of smoking bans (5) Jun 28, 2009
"When Illinois last year raised the cigarette taxes way high, our Illinois sales went down," Schneider said, "but Iowa sales went up. They (smokers) just find someplace else to go.". The southern border towns already have to compete with lower gas and cigarette taxes in Missouri. (Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IO)
Oil tax, driver's card for illegals out of budget Jun 26, 2009
Under other previously agreed-to parts of the budget, fees on phones would increase 75 cents a month, cigarette taxes would go up 75 cents a pack and there is an income tax increase on households making more than $300,000 a year. Overall state spending, including about $3 billion in federal stimulus money, would increase about 6. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
SENATE CIRCUS SQUEEZES LOCAL GOV'T Jun 24, 2009
On Long Island, we are waiting for millions of dollars to fund highway patrols on the Long Island Expressway, cigarette taxes to subsidize social-service programs and cellphone surcharges in Suffolk to help fund 911 emergency service. The national economic crisis triggered an unprecedented drop in sales-tax collections, blowing a 130 million hole in Nassau's budget. (New York Post -- Opinions)
More Taxes Proposed: On Meat and Fast Food Jun 24, 2009
Have cigarette taxes deterred smokers from indulging. My mother, who has smoked for a good 35 years of her life, admitted that all a tax like that does is make a person consider off-brands. (Epicurious.com)
Oregon lawmakers nix beer, cigarette taxes Jun 21, 2009
Past Month's Most Commented Stories. Sunday, June 21, 2009 1:08 AM PDT. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Legislators pass $27.4B budget, Patrick amps up veto talk Jun 20, 2009
Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) protested the tax increases, noting they come on the heels of increases in corporate and cigarette taxes last year. "You are voting to raise all of these taxes," deMacedo told his colleagues, telling them they were "chipping away" at the limited discretionary income of their constituents. (Somerville Journal, MA)
Governor pitches budget, audience asks for water - with audio of speech Jun 19, 2009
The committee also proposed increasing cigarette taxes by $1. 50 per pack, taxing oil production, requiring income tax withholdings for independent contractors and closing some corporate tax loopholes. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Tax hikes are sticking point for budget plan Jun 18, 2009
The plan includes about $2 billion in new oil production and cigarette taxes to help bridge the $24 billion budget gap, and a $15-per- vehicle registration fee to finance the state park system. Steinberg and Bass said the conference panel's plan was a "reasonable response" to the deep cuts and revenue shifts the governor proposed last month. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Alfred A. Knorr: Take drunks’ cars Jun 18, 2009
Fines may be money makers, but they don t stop drunken driving any more than cigarette taxes stop smoking. Why not try something else. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Meltdown 101: Consumer Price Index, by the Numbers Jun 18, 2009
3 percent after two months of steep increases connected to a hike in cigarette taxes. Here are some other interesting details in the consumer price report, by the numbers. (ABC News -- Wire)
Who will be the ‘transportation governor’? Jun 16, 2009
Who will be the transportation governor. Who will be the transportation governor. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Increase in car tag prices still expected July 1 Jun 16, 2009
Although an agreement in principal was reached during the regular session of the Legislature to use the increase in cigarette taxes in part to keep tag prices stable, the agreement means nothing until the Legislature approves a new budget. After recessing the regular session to give leaders a chance to agree on a budget, the regular session ended last week without an agreement. (Forest Scott County Times, MS)
La. House rejects tobacco tax hike proposal Jun 16, 2009
-- The House on Monday overwhelmingly rejected a 50-cent increase in cigarette taxes, joining Gov. Bobby Jindal in opposition to the proposal. WWL-TV. (WWLTV.com, LA)
State Restores Tobacco Prevention Funds Jun 6, 2009
A record number of smokers are calling the state-run hotlines because of skyrocketing cigarette taxes. WCAX News. (WCAX.com, VT)
State funds expiring soon Jun 5, 2009
Legislators who thought they fixed the car-tag situation by raising cigarette taxes were surprised to learn they must pass a separate spending bill to keep tag costs from rising. The regular session expired without them approving the earmark. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Smokers Split On Statewide Ban Jun 1, 2009
According to the Nebraska Department of Revenue, the state received more than $69 million from cigarette taxes between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008. Smoker Mike Brogren said hes not a fan of the new rules. (7 KETV Omaha)
Highlights of state budget passed by committee May 30, 2009
- Increases cigarette taxes 75-cents per pack. - Raises income taxes on households making more than 300,000 a year. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
