Dr_Righteous wrote:
As of 01/01/07, the great state of Texas has decided to add on another $1 per pack tax on cigarettes, to offset property taxes... In an effort to raise more education funding.
As of Jan 1, 2007 the Texas cigarette tax increased to $1.46 on a 20 cigarette pack or $1.76 on a 25 cigarette pack.
US states cigarette tax rates, 2006Raising a "sin tax," appeals to legislators who view it as a way of discouraging consumption of objectionable products (cigarettes, liquor, gambling, and so on)
Increasing a "sin tax" just creates an underground market for cigarettes from cheap sources (Indian reservations, Duty free export shops, lower tax states}. Long haul truck drivers make extra money buying cigarettes in low tax areas then reselling them in higher tax states. Organized crime just targets whole semi-trailers of cigarettes for theft.
Health wise, you're much better off giving them up.
