Poll Question: Tobacco Tax?

As the budget discussions have proceeded, one idea has been persistently proposed from a number of quarters. The suggestion has been made to raise the cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack, primarily as a matter of public health -- but also as a means of raising additional revenues for health related costs. Health advocates have pointed out that youth smoking, long a declining statistic in Maine, has started to reverse direction. Teenage smoking is once again on the rise in Maine, and public health advocates claim that a steep tax increase -- like $1.00 -- is one of the surest ways to discourage teen tobacco use.

Supporters also claim that the tax would raise over $25 million in the first year. That tax revenue may decrease over time, if it does have the desired effect of reducing smoking. While $25 million is only a small portion of what is needed to balance the budget -- supporters are calling it a good step.

What do you think? I've heard from people within our district with strong opinions from each perspective -- and both sides have good arguments. Right now, I am leaning in the direction that the Governor has pointed -- no new tax initiatives in this budget -- but I am more interested in what you think. Is raising the tobacco tax -- $1 a pack for cigarettes, for example -- a good way to decrease youth smoking and raise revenue? Please vote and let me know what you think.

Click here to vote in this week's poll.