Arrrrghhh! WI governor proposes cigarette tax increase, smoking ban

[Monkeyleg]

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle who, during his campaign, promised not to raise taxes, has apparently changed his mind. He's proposing raising taxes on cigarettes from the current 77 cents a pack to $2.02. That will increase the price of cigarettes here by almost 32%.

Additionally, he's proposing a statewide smoking ban in all public places, including bars and restaurants. (I'm betting that he'll exempt the indian casinos, since they donated heavily to his campaign).

God, how I hate this state.

[Brad Johnson]

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle who, during his campaign, promised not to raise taxes, has apparently changed his mind. He's proposing raising taxes on cigarettes from the current 77 cents a pack to $2.02. That will increase the price of cigarettes here by almost 32%.

Additionally, he's proposing a statewide smoking ban in all public places, including bars and restaurants. (I'm betting that he'll exempt the indian casinos, since they donated heavily to his campaign).

God, how I hate this state.

We just had a $1 a pack hike in Texas.

Slight correction in the numbers.  Going from a per-pack tax of $0.77 to $2.02 is a 162% increase in the tax alone!  Yeesh.  Next thing you know they'll tax air.

Brad

[The Rabbi]

Ya mean, Jim Doyle lied?
Besides, raising taxes on cigarettes isnt raising taxes.  Raising taxes would be on productive, law abiding citizens, and we all know smokers are basically baby killers.

[Monkeyleg]

Rabbi, unbelievable as it may sound, yes, Doyle lied. He lied about the budget deficit during his campaign, and said that the budget was balanced. Well, now he admits the budget is in the red by $2.6 billion.

Ooops!

"Next thing you know they'll tax air."

Brad, this is Wisconsin. Don't give the politicians any new ideas. We're #7 on the list of states that have the highest tax burden as a percentage of income. The cigarette tax could push us to #6 or even #5.

[BozemanMT]

oh well
say bye bye to your economy

heck, just imagine what the taxes would be if it was illegal?

 

[Standing Wolf]

It's all about control.

[The Rabbi]

Rabbi, unbelievable as it may sound, yes, Doyle lied. He lied about the budget deficit during his campaign, and said that the budget was balanced. Well, now he admits the budget is in the red by $2.6 billion.

Ooops!

I guess it depends on the meaning of the word "tax."

[RadioFreeSeaLab]

Prohibition, it sure worked great the first time 'round.  Might as well try it again 

[wmenorr67]

Does not WI state law require a balanced budget.  If so and the state is that far behind someone has screwed up.