Up In Smoke: A Taxing New Proposal For Smokers

Cigarettes have long been taxing on our health, environment and even wallet, but now the stakes may be about to go up. In fact, just the other day my husband, who by the way is an avid NON-SMOKER, noticed that a pack of cigarettes is now significantly over $5 a pack. And, it seems that price is about to once again go up.

In fact, Long Island officials are considering a $2 per pack cigarette tax (a similar $1.50 tax, already implemented in The City), a levy that would raise the price of many brands to about $7 a pack.

And, it’s all part of an effort to hit people where it hurts most, the pocketbook.

Professionals point out that while people know the perils of smoking, the toll on their health isn’t always immediate or immediately seen or felt but a hit in the purse strings will have an instant impact and that may encourage many to quit in spite of themselves. And, officials add that will help save many lives, including those in these households who are exposed to second hand smoke.

Plus, they add that the increased cost is likely to also sere as a deterrent for teens and young adults to never get started.

Still many smokers suggest that the need to feed their addiction is greater than their desire to quit, even at a higher cost.

Still officials are hopeful for many, and add that the added tax will also filter out those heading into the suburbs to get their fix (and at a cheaper rate).

It is calculated that New York City raised $123 million from the cigarette tax alone in 2006 and it’s anticipated that the tax will contribute about $26 to $30 million to the county’s “kitty”, an amount that would also help offset an increase in property tax.