I'm soooooooo sick of nonsmokers cheering even higher taxes on smokes. Smokers HAVE no rights after all because of nonsmokers those who smoke have to freeze outside and put up with non smoking resturants etc. I'd so would love to see BOOZE taxed as heavily as smokes since I don't drink but will this ever happen no way since the drunks etc. have more rights then smokers they can continue to drink like fish cause the gov't won't tax something that so many idiots enjoy!!!!!

I don't smoke but I do believe that the time has come to STOP trying to make smokers pay for more than their share....When was the last time a smoker ran a red light, causing injury or death. I personally feel that the 2000% increase should be on liquor

Well I had figured that my cost for smoking would double & yep it did, over the last 2 wks when I tried to stock up the store I use was limiting people on how much you could purchase so on thursday I wasn't surprised to see the shelves FULLY stocked with the increased priced tobacco products-my tubes went from $4 to $5 & my tobacco went from 8.79 (2 wks before the tax increase) to last wk of $10.19 to post tax ripoff of $22.19 so to cover it I'll spend alot less on lottery tickets & cut back some more on food!

Who voted this in, not us, when was the last time you voted anything in so absurd. I think we should take our country back. They say this tax is for children's insurance. So what of the lottery was for the school's , where is that going, our schools up here are closing or teacher's are getting laid off. They aren't any better than the big 3 and insurance companies and bank's taking the bail out's, it's all greed. Give the vote back to the people. I love my country but with these idiot's in office now day's we are going to hell in a hand basket...

First of all the government legalizes an addictive drug, and then taxes it. It allows it's citizens to become addicted, then collects a tax on addiction. Alcohol and tobacco addiction is a sure thing revenue for the tax coffers. I would bet that heroin would create some huge tax income for the government. Marajuana is pretty popular. Let's leagleize and tax that too. The government should be ashamed of singleing out any group that is addicited to a legal substance and tax them so heavely. It all sounds like legal durg dealing to me.

I don't smoke, but why don't they tax the people that buy wine, champagne, or beer. I laugh when I see all these people in Meijer buying hard liquor, beer, or wine but yet they have all this health food in there cart!!!Hello...your liver can't handle all that alcohol, so there is no purpose in worrying about buying your rice cakes and hummus dip!!!!

Yes I think the smokers should be taxed higher. Anything to get Michigan to be a smoke free state. The more people who quit the better. Any smokers who don't like it then quit or move out of state. Now you may know how us non smokers feel when we have no say as to who is smoking around us while we are out and about. It is a terrible habit that dampens any social gathering we attend. I say good riddance to any smoke filled atmosphere.

Hey John. Before you get too remorseful about your vote... This is a state tax, a "she" issue. I predict that there will be less smokers at the poll in 4 years because there will be less smokers everywhere in 4 years. I think they should add a 10 cent per butt deposit, so there would be less butts polluting the ground

I was a smoker up until 4 days ago. I knew I needed to quit smoking, but this was the final straw. I too wonder what will happen when more and more people quit, what will they tax then? Also, what about the people who can't/won't quit? What are they going to give up to pay for their habbit? Food, perscriptions? There has to be a better way to pay for these programs than punishing people for doing something that isn't illegal to do.

very prejidital,very wrong,whats next coffee,air,marijuana?

i dont even smoke and i dont like the tax, but for all you unemployed michiganians......smuggling has just become a very lucrative business!

So, the sinners get taxed again. A small portion of the country's sinners, pay for the largest portion of government health care. Why not place a tax on soda? That way, EVERYONE in the country would be subject to the taxes. The government would make more money in a month from a tax that hit everybody, than just the measly percentage of smokers still out there. What will happen when all the smokers are forced to quit?
Who will pay then?

Four years from now we have a simple choice. I could see raising the tax a little but this is absurd. Prediction, more smokers at the polls in four years. All a republican would have to say to get voted in is I will repeal this unfair tax. Damn I'm sorry I voted for him. I didn't expect to vote for a socialistic state. Just hang in there for four more years.

I think the tax on tobacco products is called a "sin"tax. I think it is discriminatory to tax one group to fund a general program. The government apparently has much expense to treat tobacco related illnesses. I understand that now the cost for treating obese/diabetes related diseases is close to the cost for tobacco related diseases. Do we ever see a "Twinky" tax? I have written legislators suggesting that an additional tax on soft drinks alone would bring in much revenue. Perhaps "sin" should be redefined. Thanks for your investigations.

I had paid $16.19 for the 1/2 lb bag of tobbacco on Friday the 27th, I thought they were not suppose to go up until April 1st 2009. The regular price before the jump was $6.79.

ATTENTION NON SMOKERS
Doesn't a 2000% raise in any kind of tax scare you? If it doesn't , it should. If the goverment can do that without the word of the people, think what they can do with other things if they feel like it, that scares me. Maybe that morning cup of coffee that you enjoy, could be taxed 2000% because caffine is a addictive drug and if you don't think it is, your wrong. I quite drinking regular coffee about 15 years ago and I had such terrible headaces for 2 weeks that I wanted to take my head off and nothing would touch them. The list could go on and on about the goverment taxing things when ever they please.
I hate to think of the reprocusion that this tax is going to have. Back a couple of years ago when Michigan started this high tax on cigarettes, at a party store that my friend works at, they were broke into and do you know what they took? Cigarettes!!!!
Can you imagine whats going to happen now. Our state and the country is in bad enough finacial trouble without imposing a 2000% tax increase on anything, I don't see how it can even be legal. My grandmother used to say that overindulgence in anything is bad for you and think about it, she was right. I'am getting so sick of hearing that smoking causes every illness on this planet. I'am almost 67 years old and have smoked since I was 14 and hardly ever missed work and friends that I had that smoked were the same. So don't say that we cause the cost of health care to be more. I know alot of nonsmokers that have all kinds of health issuses and they haven't been around smokers. I don't smoke in the car with my grandkids or with nonsmokers, so don't protray us as a bunch of idiots. So you smokers and ones that believe this is a unfair tax, better write to your congressman and see what can be done about this or I'am afraid we're all going to suffer in the end.

It shouldn't matter if your a smoker or non-smoker this tax is wrong. No matter what product it is ; you shouldn't have to pay 2000% for it. I do believe we need to tax produces but that is an outrage. When their are only a select few left they will tax something else. We are the American people we: all have rights no matter what you like or dislikes. All American's should pay for this Federal tax. The fed's are getting you on the ground and while the state is kick you in the stomach. All people should get the help but only a select people's get this. American people has forgot that the Gov. works for us. Do they really care for the laborers in this country? This is the worst time to tax people while the are losing so much.

This is a bunch of B...S... first the federal government raises our taxes on our tabacco products and the again in october the governor wants to raise it agian B...S..Why single us out unlike a drunk driver we dont smoke our cigarettes then go out and loose control of our car and kill someone...
If the federal government and the governor want to single people out why not the drunks or how about convicted drug dealers?? You want to know why b ecause its easier to take it out on the smoker? because they know no matter what us die hard smokers will pay the price.Well im not taking it laying down and i hope other smokers wont either

you stated that you are a non smoker and that smoking does not have a calming effect, you are misrepresenting yourself in the manner we expect of the misinformed people of this Country very typically, you are against something so you state things that are in no way factual smoking is a way to get nicotine as with any addiction a person caplms when they get thier "fix" same with alcohol people feel "warmed by it but its use will actually cause you to get hypothermia in the winter faster because it brings up your blood pressure and send blood to the skin ( towards the cold) hence a warm feeling even though your blood is being cooled .
as a non smoker you have no right to state something as a fact when you do not know personally first hand knowledge thats considered in a court of law as "hear say"
alcohol causes 50 times more injuries and 5000 times more medical costs than tobacco products this is fact, my cigarettes never caused the crippling of a child walking on the siode walk yet watch television around the holidays and they will show you hundreds of them each year, and those are only the ones that are still alive and made it to tv.
liver disease is a huge problem and last i seen more people were waiting for livers from alcohol abuse than people suffering from lung cancer due to cigarettes. is second hand smoke dangerous very probably is smoking dangerous yes but so is driving a car, walkijg across the street or eating at a restaurant food poisoning is a huge medical problem.
i agree with many of the posters here lets find a tax everyone pays not just single out a specific group. this is just the first step relize if this holds it opens the doors to all kinds of other things, our forefathers fought and died to make this country a free country not a country where one person decides if something is good or not or if another should be allowed to do it.
I see drug addicts on a daily basis From Drs prescriptions not from street drugs thats a medical problem and cost lets tax Drs and narcotic drug manufacturers,gas, electric companies that burn wood and coal,people with wood stoves put a lot of smoke in the air that is in make up the same as cigarette smoke as far as carcinogens with exception to nicotine.they should payt as well right? after all that is second hand smoke and lots more than my little cigarettes make its the equivilebt to about 1000 packs of cigs an hour all out in the air for us to breathe.
hmmm restaurants exhausts contribute to air pollution so lets put a tax on the customers for causing the restaurants to make more pollution. this can be very never ending...quit blaming just the smokers, open your eyes that you were born with use the brain you supposedly have and look at the real problems.get some real facts then post again
we all agree smoking is bad for us, so is fast food,trans fat, high fructose corn syrup ( even though our Govt got paid to say its not bad "in moderation" immunizations, narcotic drugs alcohol,cars,oils,insecticides,etc,

where do we draw the line at unfair taxes???
where will our Govt stop, we are losing freedom every single day and people are to blind and wrapped up in themselves to see it..

Tom I really hope you are reading this because I would like to set your "facts" straight. I am a smoker have been for a couple years now, and I pay for my own healthcare just like 99% of other people out there. And to say that a smokers spouse is affected by second hand smoke? It is but is that not their own decsion to be with that person? i do agree that smokers should not smoke around their kids, but then what about the parents who take their kids to BK everyday???? If you are going to start taxing smokers, start taxing everyone else with bad habits.

O.K. – Enough is an Enough!!!
Our elected officials are totally out of control and out of touch with the Hard Working Class Americans!
Granholm’s salary is paid by the taxpayers…..Why would she allow and want to pass this unfair tax? Does she have a brain?
Yes, everyone should be accountable to pay a fair tax if you want to accomplish anything. But why should, a selected group be chosen to be punished to make up for a mismanaged discriminating government.
It is time to stop the madness and the unfair taxes that Granholm and our elected officials force on us.

Why not another Tax!!!!! More new taxes and tax increases are sure to come!!!

Why not, unemployment has been on the rise, Business have been fleeing the state for years and our fellow Michiganders had to leave this beautiful State to better themselves. Remember the old saying “The South Shall Rise Again”? Well it has happened, where to you think all the Michigan companies, our fellow Michiganders and illegal immigrants have moved to!

Michigan has been in a recession and then in a depression long before our Great Nation. So what does our government do for us, they taxes us then yell out tax them more!! Our Michigan officials are starting to sound and act like the Kings and Queens back in the mid-evil days!!!!

Yes, I am a smoker and this tax hike is totally discriminating! I don’t drink bottle water so how would all the non-smoking bottle water drinkers feel if a tax was imposed and then increased 4000 percent!

Final thought, nicotine is an addictive drug and is totally legal. For some of us quitting maybe impossible without help! Will and is our government planning to start a rehab program to help smokers to get over the withdraws to stay smoke free? Is there any legality here for the addicted smoker? Heck, let’s tax the non-smoking bottle water drinkers to raise the money for the Smokers Rehab Program and also we will keep our ditches and landfills free from the non-biodegradable plastic bottles!

It seems I remember a number of years ago a government tax on gas to help maintain our roads. Now not to long ago there were several comments on the poor conditions of roads like Boyne City/Charlevoix road, and a few others. Where did that money from those taxes go? Probably the same place this will.
Yup this is just the government taking away our rights.

I guess if there's smoke, there's fire!
Sounds hazardous to me. If someone deliberately chooses to "smoke" I think it is understood there is a heavy price tag that comes with it. Financial and health related.

My opinion is the same as the founding fathers of our great nation, "No taxation without representation". The representation on the increase of loose tobacco and regulare packs of cigaretts is actually against our founding laws of taxation. It should be a direct representation of the product and not being taxed on something totally off topic so to speak. So my opinion is yes, this tax is highly unfair to the smokers of our nation. I am not a smoker, just a concerned citizen of the bigger picture of our country and where it is headed.

I feel that the goverment should put the tax on alcohol. There are more people that drink then smoke it maybe stop people from drinking and driving as much and maybe our love ones would be more safer on the roads. The teenagers would have a harder time getting there hands on it because of prices. I can smoke a cig im not going to go out and drive and kill someone. I guess they are going to wait until one of their love ones die from it if that is the case i hope it is soon. My husband and i both smoke for many of years we are still in good health. We did try stopping once for 9 months hubby gain 30 lbs which that weight was just as bad as smoking.They are trying to make a war happen what is going to happen when most of us stop smoking the tabbcoo company will have to close there doors so now there are more unemployed people. I think the goverment should of gave the working americans 50,000 each and let them put the money back in. Most would of bought a car or pasid of their homes and bought the little things they need. That would of got people working again and create jobs and put money back into the nation. Now back to the subject of smoking. It is not fair that we have to pay for some kids insurance i didnt have the kids i have a hard enough time taking care of my 4 kids and they are having a hard time taking care of themselves. I feel to if we are going to pay for the insurance then we should get free insurance to we are paying for it.If they want to care about the kids lets tax everythings so we can keep schools open. There are so many schools closing because of budject cuts. Kids deserve a good education not be on a bus ride for 3 hours differnet school because the closed. If we all stop smoking or did what i did and buy enough tabbaco for a year who are they going to tax next the drinkers. I just think they want to have a war to cut down the population and get rid of the poor and the homeless. The goverment and the rich are well protected that is my thoughts on this. I hope the fact finder finds out why they dont tax the alcohol but they rather keep bars open until 4am so more people can get killed.

This sure smacks of taxation without representation, but no-one seems to care anymore so it gives "our" government free rein to tax whatever whenever they want. I am a smoker of 50 years yet in fair health, yet it appears I will soon have to quit. I guess it's time, though I do enjoy it. This begs the question - as more smokers quit and this tax base dries up, what's next? How about taxing snack goods, soda pop, candies and bottled water? I know, lets establish an obese tax. Tax everyone that's say 25 lbs or more overweight, maybe we can get them to stop eating and save more food for the rest of us. This is another health issue that needs attention. Maybe I aught to start mailing tea bags myself. This is one reason we left Jolly Old England and Europe, but today there is no place else to go and massacre the natives and steal their land. Oops, a little off topic. So many choices are being denied us today, it totally sucks."Of the people, by the people, for the people", yeah, right.

A friend used to say: Give someone enough rope and they'll hang them selves... This will be a progressive tax... There will be more victims.

It is rather ridiculous singling out one group.
Why not make it fair for everyone, say taxing toilet paper? Everyone needs it, and I'm sure there is much sold.
I also thought this was a Democratic society (meaning something like this would be put up for a vote by the public).
When did we start living in a communist society where government decides what will be done????
Shall I start calling you comrad?

My question is that of freedom, today tobacco,
tomorrow ?? When the American people are willing to give up their freedom of choice, that is scary. Both sides have good points, however; were missing the point and that is "Freedom." People only take offence when it effects them, well to all smokers, Quit, then the government will have to tax items equally, which is the way it should be.

My love for this beautiful state of Michigan has cost me a lot in the last few years but I fought hard to stay here regardless of family members who left anyway. This tax is not right in any manner that I can see. As long as higher offical's or anyone else that makes or takes our money to set back and say what is going to happen no matter what we think is just wrong. I understand why they choose smoking I suppose but come on I do have to agree with so many of the others on here that alcohol is much more physically danerous to everyone. As for those who do not understand the harm to human beings from tobacco smoke: You truely need to learn more about everyday applicances and such that cause the very same health issues, such as your cook stove, grill's as well as the cooking surfaces that goes all through the restaurants and out through the vents. Seriously people, Please take the time to look into this and stop blaming all of it on smokers or tobacco products alone. My biggest fear is that with this order to stop smoking or pay the price basically, is just the last straw for Michigan people. We have (all of us) truely had ENOUGH. Because of taxes and such we have had way to many of our jobs lost, leaving families with no where to go but to other states. (stress) Housing...what a mess.(stress) More crimes then ever due to money issues. (stress) Everyday changes in our laws, and not knowing what will come next. (stress) Is it just me or do we all see the pattern? I feel this tobacco tax issue now with another blow coming in Oct, what with so many struggling to quit we will soon be seeing way more physical and verbal abuse going. (big stress) How much more can our Michigan Government put out before they get it that they are a hugh part of the fall of this state. I am not saying all their ideas are bad, I am saying they need to think way ahead in time to think clearly of the outcome. Responsibility for one's own actions if for EVERY human.

Let's set the record straight up front. I am a smoker and hate that I ever started. If you want the ills of smoking, just ask a smoker. I do not resent the tax increases coming. I do resent everything added to one legal commodity over others. Yes, I will present alcohol. There is a sentiment that smoking is bad and causes much cost and damage to society so it should be attacked. That's okay. However,compute the costs and damages to governments and society for alcohol consumption. Ask anyone in law enforcement about the deaths and carnage on the roads. The family and spousal abuse. The criminal activities. The loss of property and assets. The liability for actions while under the influence. I have never heard of a family dispute or abuse call because someone had been smoking. How about auto related crashes and carnage from someone smoking to much in their vehicle. How about calls to bars, taverns and homes for folks fighting under the influence of a cigarette. You get my drift. Now, let's look at the tax on beer and liquor. Check into it people. Check into how long it has been since it was raised and how much. I do not fear a fellow chain smoker. I do fear an alcohol abuser in any and every situation always. How about guns and alcohol? How about guns and smokers, there's a dangerous lot! The staistics are irrefutable. If smoking is so bad that taxes are used to make it sinful and cost so much that it hopefully causes sessation then why wouldn't this logic carry to other legal, but very detrimental products? Perhaps the Michigan Beverage Association has more strings to pull in Lansing than other special interests. Perhaps more politicians enjoy their drinks more than a good cigar. I'm just say'in here..............

I mean for real, am I the only one that is noticing this? 2000% tax hike on anything is a crime. All I see is that government has found something they can keep raising the taxes on and we let it happen. What will come next? A Coffee Tax, a Fat Tax, a your stupid tax? And people are just arguing about "how it will make life better". Fine don't get mad when they tax water with a 2000% tax hike. Cause it's happening right now.

One more comment to whomever stated the comment about the uncaring parents who smoke in front of their kids. First, I in no way agree with that. But, what is the difference between those parents and the ones who load their kids up with processed, full of sugar garbage, Burger King every other night, hamburger helper, canned food? There really isn't one. They will both end up with higher health care cost and teach their kids life long bad habits.

You say you are not a smoker so you shouldn't have to pay for my health care, ok. I am slim, eat healthy and avoid garbage foods and drink lots of water. Why am I paying for healthcare for the overweight people I very often see in the grocery store with a cart full of chips, cookies, pop, frozen dinners, ect yes, you know who you are! I look at you the same way you look at me smoking. :)

They are both equally bad habits folks. So I hope the ones complaining on here or physically fit otherwise your a hypocrite.

Your complaining that you pay for all the smokers health problems? LOL, I am complaining that I am paying for all of the obese people's health problems. I would like to see the statistics there because I would just about bet the obese are more costly then the smokers. Maybe we should start taxing twinkies?

I think we should just all quit smoking and let all these self proclaimed do gooders join in when the gov. raises the gas tax, groc.tax, ect... because they're not getting their money from the cig tax.

Taxes are Taxes, it doesn't matter if you smoke or not. It's all about numbers. How is it fair to tax a certain percentage of people for one habit when there are several habits out there that cause harm to everyone. This is suppose to be a country of freedom of choice, and freedom of speech, but speech without condemnation goes alot further. This is a very controversial issue and there are some very hurtful things being said here. The fact is we are hurting as a country, we need to be pulling together and coming up with solutions, not tearing each other down for the choices we have made in our lives. Taxing the smokers is not fair as they are a only percentage of our health issues.

I thought that the reason to raise the tax on cigarettes was to discourage people from smoking, for the obvious health reasons. It looks to me like its just an excuse to raise money for the state (and now, it seems) also the federal government. It's hard to believe that this increase will raise enough money to adequately fund anything. If only 23% of the population smoke or use tobacco products,it does seem that if something is going to be taxed it should include the entire population. I think that we all feel that we should do our share to help out the present economy but let's make it fair!!!

I believe it is unlawful to single out any legal product or person and tax it more then others, it is a personal attack on the ones less likely to be able fight back, why don't they attack Country clubs and Goff, put a 2000 percent tax on them and see how it goes.
I would love to see our Governor Granholm impeached, she is a failure as a Governor, as our citizenship declines, and people loosing there homes, to make up the loss of tax revenue she adds the burden on the rest of the public, rather then cut back the size of Government.
all Tobacco taxes should be rescinded.
this tax is going to put more legal cigarette stores out of business, just like the last tax hike did.
to bad nothing will be done about this cause no one cares, next it will be you.

Instead of whining of this ,why don't we go on strike all across America and stay home except the emergency workers like police ambulance fire and hosp. and maybe this will be our country again, and maybe we will have a say on our taxes and gas prices...VB

I do believe that all of us smokers agree that this tax is unbelievably outrageous. If they are going to raise the taxes on cigarettes they need to mandate a lower price on Over-the-counter quitting aids such as gum, patches, and inhalers. They also need to allow us to access prescriptions at a reasonable price to quit smoking. Chantix worked well for me until my insurance ran out. I almost quit completely. Before they rush to punish the smokers, they need to allow us fair opportunity to afford anti-smoking aids.

I think it is stupid the way they keep hiking the cig tax, wouldn't they make more if they brought back the sales tax on our food like we use to have? .4 on the dollar from everybody would make more "cent's , wouldn't you think.....VB

There used to be a luxury tax which included jewelry among other things. Why not bring this back and tax all those who can afford big ticket items. The people who buy these items could afford it. It would really generate a lot more money.

I want to know WHY we NEVER hear about them taxing alcohol?? I guess they figure they probably get plenty of money from those people who drink and drive. If they're going to tax cigs, then they need to be prepared to tax alcohol and it needs to be a high percentage just like the cigs.
Oh yeah, if they think that doing this is also going to make people stop smoking, they need to think again!

I'm happy for the tax and hope it goes up even farther. Both my parents smoked back when all of the consequences of smoking what not known or hid by tobacco companies. Even though I do not smoke, I have always worried a bit of getting cancer from their second hand smoke. I remember being in school and some parents dropping their kids off... pure smoke would roll out of the car when they'd open the door. Poor kids breathing that crap. Smokers cost money to take care of and they're more unproductive on a whole as non-smokers. Where I work when the bell rings to go back to work, the non-smokers get up and go back to work and the smokers sit there 1-3 more minutes puffing what's left of their cigarette. Oh, and smoking does NOT calm you down. in fact, nicotine speeds your heart rate up.

when people say why not tax the liquor. i ask why. when people drink they are hurting themselves. whereas when people smoke they are hurting others too. people are affected by second hand smoke. i think of this smokers tax as a good thing. it is the #1 way to get people to quit smoking. less babies will have asthma from their parents smoking. less health promblems

I do not smoke, have severe asthma and stay away from smoking venues, but this tax is absolutely ridiculous to put it mildly. It is totally unfair and as the person who talked about grinding your own coffee beans, what will be next??????

I'm sorry I responded to your comment before I read further, as I see there are many other rude, brainwashed tunnel visioned ignoramuses writing on this smokers tax topic.

Smoker or not, these are the facts: smokers do know what smoking causes. Where is there a work place where smoking is permitted? There are very few non-working places where it's permitted anymore. Health costs go up for many reasons--not must smoking. Now that those misconceptions have been addressed, let's talk facts; i.e., what alcohol actually causes. The mood-altering effects of alcohol don't just effect the drinker, but their loved ones and complete strangers--innocent strangers just driving to work or out with their kids for a Sunday outing. Health care costs go up for all as a result of those inncent people linjured at the hands of drunk drivers. Even those who do not drink are at the mercy of insurance premiums that include health problems or injuries caused by alcohol. Should the tax be high? Absolutely! Let's give the non-drinkers some of that hazard pay, as well. And if one were to get really rude, how abut taxing sugar, fats and carbohydrates that cause obesity--how many health problems (that even skinny people pay for) are caused by obesity? I would be interested in seeing a comparison of the TRUE statistics, but of course that will never ever happen. Let's not be brainwashed by government or have such tunnel vision, eh?

Tobacco taxes have gone to help worthy causes. What happens when the funding stops? Will the govenment now tax your vice? Smokers constitute a little over 20% of the population. What percent of the population is over-weight or drinkers? Kids and adults are becoming fatter and fatter mainly because of fast food, so they say. Let the government tax everything that has over 100 calories so that we can save all of those food adicts from making a free choice and suffering the consequences: heart trouble, diabetes, joint pain, and other effects that send them to the pharmacy. If a little over 20% of the population was over weight, that might be acceptable. If a little over 20% of the population drank heavily, that might be acceptable. Smoking is a self medication for many of us. Not everyone smokes in excess any more than some people eat or drink in excess. I see many more people huffing and puffing as they shuffle along because of their weight than I do a person that smokes. Poor people are hit once again with unfair taxation. If a pie costs $25.00 in the store and so you bake one yourself, how would you feel if the ingredients were taxed so high that you couldn't afford to make your own treat? I would fight for your right to eat anything you like, and this is no different from my smoking. People should look at freedoms that are being taken away rather than which freedom it is.

I just read all the comments Pro & Con on this tax. I want to just say I have been smoking for over 45 years, I don't have any illness due to smoking. My husband on the other hand was and is an alcoholic, he has not had a drink now for over 20 years, however, his alcohol has had serious impact to his health, he is now in a wheel chair with a number of alcohol related problems. So I think its only fair that alcohol should be taxed at the same rate as tobacco, how are teenagers going to buy beer when that one beer costs them $23.00 each. Keep up with the tea bag tags, because this tax is even worse than that tea tax of yore..

Why not raise the price of a gallon of gasoline 2000 percent??? Because everything you say about tobacco can be said of the automobile. It kills, it polutes the air, its something most people feel they have to have. I'm sure the non-smokers wouldn't mind paying $40.00 per gallon of gas. Right??? Yeah, right!!!

I would like to know who is the government going to tax to pay for their programs when no one can afford to purchase tobacco products. I have read several comments and the ones that believe smokers are the cause of higher health care costs and such, they are enjoying the benefits of using this health care program the government is going to be taxing smokers for. What is going to happen to those programs when there are no more smokers that can afford to pay the price they are increasing tobacco tax to? What are they going to start taxing next? It is unfair to go after one group of people to support an entire program of which many users are either non-citizens or non-smokers. Why not have a tax that everyone pays such as a federal sales tax. It would be much more fair and everyone would pay then. Many of us smokers do not have children yet we have to pay for the tax that is going to support a medical program. Why not tax people with red cars or people with blonde hair, the government is being totally unfair singling out a specific group to pay for a program that no one is going to be able to afford to pay for. What happens to the program then? I think the government was asleep at the wheel when they thought of this ridiculous tax.

Why not share the burden with everone! Everyone that has an extra nickle, buys something they really don't need. Tobacco is only one of many products that has an adverse effect on health and environment today. Why not raise sales tax an extra percent and let everyone have a peice of this pie!

I realize that non-smokers have no objections to the smokers being taxed.....again. But let us play out this scenario.
The government decides it needs even more money....Hey....let's tax coffee....suddenly ground coffee doubles in price! OK...a few still buy it anyway....but most people switch to grind your own coffee. It's inconvenient but still affordable.
The government all of a sudden realizes that people are buying the beans and grinding their own. They decide that people can't get away with that! Now we have to raise all the taxes on the beans!Lets raise them 2000 percentT
Although I smoke, but am not a coffee drinker, I see this as fair! What do all you coffee drinkers out there think?

anyone remember learning about the Boston Tea Party???

Times have changed! or have they?

Charley I couldnt agree more with you having lost several Family Memers to drunk drivers, and not being much of a drinker myself.I have never seen tobacco use cause the death or crippling of a child asleep in their beds, or walking down the sidewalk, or being in the car while parents drive, but that happens everyday due to a much bigger menace than tobacco, Alcohol. I see all the BS about second hand smoke, My great Grand mother died of Lung Cancer, they labled it as caused by second hand smoke, even though she was never around a smoker, it was said at some point she was within 50 feet of a smoker for at least 30 seconds and thats what caused it, Not the fact she lived in Downtown Detroit her entire life. cant Blame pollution, second hand smoke is a better blame right...this tax will just cause Black market buying.tons of people go out of the country daily.
whats next folks? Foods of course if you have a garden i am sure they will tax that when they get to foods,anyone know where i can get tobacco seeds to grow????

Our Government has gotten totally out of hand, and needs to be replaced next election, lets get the old out and replace with some real people....

Why don't you ask governors office about taxing Liquor and beer Because 9 times out 10 when I go to the store I see someone buy liquor

It's to bad that we can't separate the inconsiderate smokers from the considerate smokers. I always see smokers throwing their cigs on the parking lot just before entering a store or other place of business. They also flick their ashes or throw the cigs out of the car window. Smoking around small children too. The inconsiderate ones (and you know who you are)deserve to be taxed at the highest level possible.

When the people quit smoking and SCHIP falls flat on its face, they will 1. Tax sugar because it makes kids obese.2. Tax beer and liquor.3. Tax all candies.
4. Tax all cosmetics and it will probably be 2000 percent . IT IS ALL GREED!

I started rolling smokes back 4-5 yrs ago cause Marboro were too high priced & now I prefer my roll my owns! But its ALWAYS the smokers who get taxed to death & not the boozehounds, after all alot more people drink then smoke but does the state or the feds tax booze like they do smokes-Nope & why not cause everyone figures if we keep jacking smokes then they'll have to quit-NOT!!!! I'll just spend less on other things & continue to roll my smokes with less tobacco to stretch a bag. But this totally unfair the targets those like me wear cause we smoke. Tax Beer like they do smokes & then they can feel the bite on the wallet likes us smokers do!!!!

Gov wants us to quit, so if we do, what happens to the healthcare and the beneficiaries?

I would love to see tax on alcohol go up accordingly. That should put a real crimp on underaged drinking and likely save thousands of lives from "alcohol related" accidents.

this is discrimination the government will tell you that they do not discriminate against race color sex religion and so on but this is the same thing it is discrimination against smokers they tell you it will help kids with health care but how the higher the cost of tobacco the less people will buy so the outcome is the government will not make out any better also the smokers out there that will still smoke are spending more out of there pocket and in turn the kids of those families will also be hurt because there will be less money to support there needs I know this sounds bad that smoking rates first but smoking is a life style and a addiction that some people feel they can't live without so to our discriminating government thank you for hurting our kids and there families

Taxing smokers is nothing new but this time the amount of the tax is exorbitant so it has caught the attention of more people. In this time of recession, what sense does it make to possibly risk more businesses going under because people are buying less of the product or going elsewhere to purchase their tobacco products? Michigan has had the highest taxes on cigarettes for a long time and it is just getting worse. You can go to almost any other state and buy cigarettes for a lot less (as low as $23 per carton instead of now $60 a carton in Michigan) -- and then government officials wonder why people are leaving this state...decreasing jobs, increasing taxes every time you turn around...what motivation is there to stay here?

I think smokers have lost sight what smoking actually causes; the toxic fumes released from a cigerate doesnt just affect the smoker, but it affects their loved ones, those that work in environments where smoking is permitted, and in some cases the general public. Health care costs go up for all as a result of smoking...even those that do not come into contact with smokers are at the mercy of insurance premiums that include people with health problems as result of smoking. Should the tax be high? Absolutely! We should call it a hazard pay to those of us that do not smoke.

I quit smoking 30 years ago, but still think this tax increase is insane. I think it would be fairer to tax liquor and/or have a luxury tax that would tax far more people and spread out the burden. This is really a bad time to incorporate "ANY" tax increases with people struggling to make ends meet. It's no wonder we are having more thefts of homes and businesses, when you push people that are "down" all ready, they will push back and in a manner probably not appropriate.

I think that what the Federal Government is doing with the Tax hike against smokers are terribul.
They are being targeted once again for tax hikes why?
Why not tax other items insead of targeting 1 group of people.
I understand that the extra money from the increased tax. Is going to help low income families with childrens health care.
This is not a way to benifit healthcare. Who thought of this????

IMAGINE If everyone in the United States had 1 Penny taken out of there check every week. For healthcare
That would be alot of money. And then there would be no huge taxes.

Instead the Government is raising prices so high that it's forcing people to quit.

This tax is nothing less than a new experiment at prohibition. It didn't work in the 20's with alcohol. The entire point of the bill and it states it clearly is to eliminate smoking to establish better health in the American people. It is a sin tax and it isn't about what's fair or not fair. It is not the responsibility of the government to provide health care for it's people. We are not a socialist government, at least not yet, we are a republic. The government needs to stop taxing to pay for programs that we don't need or want. If we got rid of insurance companies that dictate our healthcare, the healthcare wouldn't cost so much and we could choose our own doctors and procedures. If doctors and hospitals didn't have to hire people who only handle insurance claims, they could lower their costs. It's a vicious cycle with no easy solution and the government can't fix it by creating a socialized healthcare system. Socialism is just Communism in a pretty dress.

Granholm adds yet another tax to the people of Michigan. She's already managed to force 10% of the population out due to taxes on businesses which caused a loss of jobs and the snowball effect is she's stuck with a budget shortfall. A 64% increase in tax is ridiculous. Think about this, the Revolutionary War was fought over an approximte 2% tax on goods (no income tax). Tax businesses run them out, tax the people, run them out, makes more room for more Canadian garbage don't you think. We had a beautiful state before this Canadian took over. She's damaged our schools, increased the amount of people on welfare and decreased the amount of people working to pay for that welfare. Her No Worker Left Behind program is a joke because there is no money for the program at present. She's releasing more criminals to add to the amount of unemployed which will add to the working person's burden even more. She's been relocating the poorest of the poor from Detroit to small Northern Michigan communities where unemployment is even higher, thus adding to the small community burden while cutting funding to smaller community schools. When are the citizens of Michigan going to do something about the damage to our state? Granholm can't make up her budget shortfalls by taxing smokers alone. She needs to be impeached and we need a real leader, one who is friendly to business not just friendly to those who are chronically on welfare or those who wish to dump Canadian garbage in Michigan. The real issue isn't this one additional tax, it's all the taxes she keeps heaping on the working person and will continue to do so until her term is up. How many will be left in our state by then?

I think they are raising the taxes so much because so many people switched to "Roll Your Own" after the last tax increase for smokers. I think the health care for children is great idea. I really do. But why are ONLY smokers being forced to fit the bill? What about Alcohol Tax? Why don't they raise that?? How many Drunk Drivers kill people? Put people in the hospitals? How many babies are born with health issues because their mothers drank while pregnant? I have never heard of a smoker killing someone because he was smoking while driving. Seriously, there are more riskier 'habits' then smoking when it comes right down to it. I think the government is greedy, I think they seen a loss of tax revenue when people switch to "Roll Your Own" and now they are making up for that loss. And what if this back fires? What if people actually quit smoking? Great idea. But then what about that health bill they are hoping to have paid by all us smokers? What is their back up plan? Do they have a back up plan? How do they expect to have the bill paid? Where will the money come from then?

Stay tuned. Now watch for the "boot-leggers" come in to this state. This is going to create a new crime spree especially because of the economy. Unemployed people who normally wouldn't think this way, just might be tempted. It will be big money and people will pay for cheaper cigarettes. I'm a smoker but I need to quit anyway. This is a very good excuse for me to stop smoking.

I thought that the American people were able to " HAVE RIGHTS" and not be told what to do. The tax of tobacco for poor children is all well and good but there should be more to it than just tax the people who smoke. What kind of tax is the NON-Smoker having to pay besides their regular tax???. The NON-Smokers are griping because of us Bad people who smoked. Now we are being punished because we do smoke and we are basicly being Forced to Quit.There should be a lot more tax cuts and Pay cuts at the Capital to take care of our deer Govenors priorities, ( or whatever she wants to call them). Smokers should have rights too!!!!!

Why are we the ones getting taxed? Why not drinkers ,gamblers why must we pay more because some people do not like the fact that we smoke. Yes I smoke but that is my choice this feels like another prohibition but on smokers this time.

I for one think the tax hike is a great idea! It is a horrible nasty addiction that hurts more than just the smoker. Everyone who is crying about having rights needs to realize that you have rights as a citizen but not as a smoker. The person who said it would be different if the president smoked needs to realize that the president does smoke so your point is mute. The great thing about this country is that it continues to adapt to logic and science. Forty years ago people didn't understand what they understand now about the dangers of smoking and just because it's legal today doesn't mean it always will be. I for one am sick of seeing crappy parents driving around smoking with their kids in the car or having to hold my breath as I walk past the addicts hanging out in front of meijer. So keep on taxing and I'll keep on laughing at the junkies crying about it!

Taxing any one entity is unfortunate coupled with a huge increase is unfair. This is an addictive habit that is extremely difficult to quit. Damage to your lungs and heart from smoking is one of the number one preventable health risks. Smoking is not only a costly habit but a huge expense for our health care system. Maybe the additional cost will deter some people from smoking which would save millions of dollars in health care costs due to emphysema.

So you would like to hear about ,"What I think should be taxed"??
I don't know about any more taxes those will soon enough be overwhelming with all the new government spending.
What I don't hear is an outcry for the politicians golden parachute program. We work 20-25 yrs for retirement(if we are luckyto get one ) Why should someone who works for ME get a full retirement and benefits for only 6yrs in office at the salary they are making at that time annually?? Not to mention FUll health care benefits until they are 80yo. You want to inform people what our politicians really are doing?? Here is a good place to start I think.

It's time we started taxing the Bicycle.First tax the bike itself, than we must start taxing the use of the bike trails. We can call it the "Biketrail Tax".
Now if you want to make alot of monies how about plastic bottle tax, that would out do them all. And than theres coffee tax another big money grabber.

I will have to quit. I dont agree with such a drastic increase but have been rolling my own to save money and they finaly found a way to catch that. I will probably be one miserable SOB for a while but what choice do I have?

So, I am supposed to feel sorry for the inconsiderate whiners who truly don't care that they make it difficult for us to breathe, who stink up our clothes and cars, who spoil our restaurant meals, who cause our children to have asthma attacks, who drive up everyone's health care costs.
Okay, as soon as you pay those health care and insurance costs for us, pay our dry cleaning bills, and all the rest, then I will consider feeling sorry for the raised taxes on the habit that YOU CHOSE! Not gonna happen.

I think it is the usual gutlessness of our government and especially J. Granholm to go after the most vulnerable in our society. They are great at campaigning and assuring us they're out for our best interests when in reality they look out only for themselves. This tax is absolutely despicable because it uses "children's issues" as the point of demagoguery to fleece one segment of society. We are going to continue to be taxed into submission to a "big brother" government.

Sure, hit up the smokers again, we already pay thru the nose. Everyone is hurting from the current economy (Except Politicians), That's why we smokers started rolling our own anyway...our state tax on cigarettes/pack is rediculous...not only do we pay state tax and federal tax, we still pay sales tax too!...Maybe we should all become politicians and have our expenses paid by taxpayers, plus take on a phenominal salary...and come up with bull---t ways to screw over our employers. Aren't we the people, for the people, and by the people? Aren't we, as a democratic society, supposed to have a say in what oour government does? Don't they realize that by forcing americans to basically quit smoking, due to tax hikes, that the economy will take a deeper dive than it already has? What will happen to the tobbacco industry? and why should only 23% of the population pay for child health care? I think if the politicians had to pay for their own they would think twice. Thank you to our Government, depression is here!

I don't know what our law makers are thinking, as if times are not hard enough , they have to throw in some more taxes. Whats going to happen if everyone stops smoking, where are they going to get their money then? This is going to hurt places that sell cigarettes and maybe even put them out of buiness. Start taxing alcohol like that and I wonder how well that would go over. Alcohol kills and ruins families but they still even advertise it on TV. If a person wants to smoke that's their choice , we've already been pushed outside and banned from most places. I always thought this was a free country but it's becoming less free all the time. All I can say is start taxing to death other things for a change, instead of one group of people.

I had to double check that figure,2000? man !!! that has to be a history maker. Grow your own.

I am a non smoker but I think that everytime they sat they want money they go after the smokers. I think that is unfair, and I also think that will put more people out of work. What is going to happen to the farmers that grow tobacco. Why don't they show us where the money really goes. We are alreadu taxed to death. The govenor need to stop taxing us till we leave the state and if people quit where are they going to tax us. The president is totally out of line with a 2000% increase on anything.

I for one do not beleive they need to raise taxes on cigerates as we are being taxed to death ,as it is ,
our goverement is only making things worse, .
michigan used to be a great state to live and work in, but people are being chased out as things are getting chased , and so are the bussineses , we do not have hardly anything left here in central lake and it is sad to see, I was born and raised here , no we don"t need any more taxes,
sandra mcneil

I have had it with these taxes!When people are losing their jobs they are stressed enough. They are forcing people to quit even if they don't want to. Smoking is not against the law and this Government acts like it is. Smoking is a choice and the government needs to find another option for these kids health care. Why not tax alcohol or candy and pop that everyone buys? It's to bad these comments won't go to the Gov. or Washington..I send e-mails all the time about issues and no one really gives a damn! I don't know how to stop these taxes because no one cares about us or they would not do this. If everyone is forced to stop smoking more jobs will be lost and they won't have enough of the taxpayers money to help anyone anyway...now what? Also I bet people will buy their smokes out of state and can you blame them? We are taxed to death..Why does the government always punish the people who have the least amount of money and bail out the banks that screwed us in the first place. Start taxing the banks and all those who are getting bonus's for their own stupidity!!!! That's all...

The tax hike on tobacco products is totally unfair. As the tax has risen on cigarettes, many people have chosen to quit smoking resulting in less money for Granholm. Many of those who chose to continue to smoke switched to rolling their own. Now with the ludicrous 2000% tax increase on OTP many of those users will choose to quit smoking. Therefore, another decrease in State income from taxes. DUH, Granholm, do some math. Who will you tax then? The elderly for daring to live past 70? It makes about as much sense as the cigarette tax increase. And by the way, I am not a smoker.

Unfortunately, I’m a smoker. The governor already put a big tax on cigarettes a few years ago. Now she’s doing it again and so is the Federal Government. From what I understand, even the cigarette companies are getting on the bandwagon to hike the prices. While cigarette smoking is offensive to others, these taxes are offensive to me. I, personally, don’t smoke in front of others who do not smoke. I’m happy to do my share in what these taxes are supposed to support, but feel it an unfair burden on only one sector of the population.

The Michigan program for free stop smoking aids lasted about a week, which was supposed to last until the end of April or until supplies last. The State government should have been better prepared. How many people really did get the stop smoking aids? Don’t they realize that smoking is an addiction and most smokers really do want to quit.

If the OTP tax passes you will see almost all of the cigar shops close in Michigan. Most won't be able to pay the floor tax, and the rest won't be able to compete with internet sales from companies outside of Michigan. That is lost tax revenue. Plus Businesses filing for bankruptcy will be a burden on an already hard hit state economy.
Besides the price of the cigars will be higher from the wholesaler which means the retailer will be paying the Michigan tax on top of the SCHIPS increase.
(Duh! more money for Michigan) Just leave well enough alone. Don't force small mom and pop shops into bankruptcy. Let us make an honest living.

23% BEING PUNISHED AGAIN. HOW ABOUT TAXING THE 100% WHO EAT INSTEAD. TAX GROCERIES AND BE DONE WITH IT.

Hope everyone thinks about The Tax:The money will end up helping some other group like citbank. I Can't see giving the the gov one more dime than I have to. I will Quit. I have been at it over 35 + years anyway. Long enough.The doctors & hospitals should give the kids free care. It's not right the rich get richer and us poo get poorer

I agree with what the tax is to be used for but why not tax something everyone uses. A friend of mine suggested Toilet Paper. You may laugh but to me this was a good idea. I can't think of anything else that everyone uses. Why not have a Federal sales tax? I think something as small as 1% would generate more money for children s health coverage then the tobacco tax.
I for one will not be able to afford to smoke and will quit. Does this help the kids???
Just my opinion!

I believe that America can not legislate the morality of its populace. It is the health insurance companies that want to see you quit smoking. That is obvious. But, if you want to live a better longer life QUIT NOW. It is my view that the nation and the state should legalize all of the vices that we as Americans partake of every day. Europe has and they seem to not be over run with more problems then we are. Legalize and tax it Pot, Prostitution, Liquor. (The true Jekyll and Hyde drug). Controlled sales environments exist now. Sure have come a long way with legal gamboling and that should be better controlled. Wake up America we are going to do it might as well pay for all we need by taxing it and see what happens. If it does not work we can always roll back.

Wow, I'm so glad I quit a couple years ago. Smokers have always been singled out and unfairly taxed but this is ridiculous.

I dont wan dem to be unfaer to me cuz I smoke! I wan to smoke. I am not hav mutch dolerz an I all redy haf to kut down on food for mi kids so i can bi my tobako. Do tha wan mi kids to starv?

put the tax on toilet paper everyone would have to pay i'm tired of this if anyone can give a list of the people that voted for this i would gladly like to see it so i don't vote for them

i think the tax hike on tobacco products are uncalled for if the state or government needs money to promote people without jobs having children to receive benifits such as food stamps and health insurance, then let the senators, governors, etc paid out of their pockets for their up-keep.

I once picked butts out of the ash trays around Gaylord. I would take them apart dry the tobacco and roll it back up. That was how desperate that I was for my fix of nicotine. I tried all of the ways there were to quit. Then I remembered how well acupuncture worked for my pain. I went to an acupuncturist in the medical arts building by the Hospital in Gaylord and in one session I was cured of my 28 year habit. Best $50 dollars that I ever spent. If you are smart you will quit now too. It is such a better life without the cigarettes please believe me.

Yes i believe smokers are being singled out, why not put "booze" up 2000% and save lives and medical bills, booze kills and ruins lives. Say why not over tax baby diapers, and save landfill costs and save trees. lets tax water useage and save out Great Lakes. Lets put a tax on gambleing so as not to incourage gambleing in the state. How much do we have to do to prevent taxing without representation. I don't drink, I don't gamble I take care of my ill husband, my one vice is a cigarette to help relieve stress in my daily life, now the government is going to make that one vice impossible for me, guess I will go to smoking grass when I mow in the summer and save it for the winter.I hear corn tassels work too.

I say yes, tax tobacco, and alchohol. These are truly elective habits that have more harm attached to them than good. Non smokers may not pay the tax, but we do have to pay for the millions of smokers health care treatment that can't afford to pay themselves and that are disabled due to smoking related illnesses such as emphysema. So, yes we ALL are paying for these person's RIGHT to smoke. The table is finally turning for the better! I say let them pay more for the Disrespectful way they treat their bodies and for the injury they cause through their second hand smoke to their spouses, children, coworkers and innocent bystanders. It is not an unfair tax at all!

I have to pay for them to get health care which is very expensive. I think a smoker, if they know the out come, still smokes should let the tobacco companies pay for their hospital care. The tobacco company shoud be the ones to carry a smokers insurance. Let them pay.

connie

Speaking as an ex-smoker I think there should be no limit on the amount of taxes on tobacco. Smoking is a disgusting, filthy habit. I couldn't care less what smokers and chewers and rollers think. Tax them until they quit!

That's right, tax the big bad smoker again. If we complain, we are heartless because this tax money is marked for health care for poor children. Here is an idea, let's see a similar tax hike on liquor or beer. No one was ever badly injured in an accident caused by a smoking driver as opposed to a drunk. Oh wait, we can't do that, everyone knows most politicians drink; and once in a while we read in the papers about their D.U.I.'s.

One reason that loose tobacco and the filter tubes cost less - is because the consumer is doing the labor themself to create the cigarette! Has the Michigan government considered this? They get their 32% tax from the manufacturers willing to pay that insane tax amount! Can they make up thier minds. They want to tax the smokers to pay for projects - they want to tax the product so high so that they will quit??? My husband owns a tobacco store - I know they really enjoy getting the thousands of dollars form him every month for sales tax - so why push to put these stores out of business? Smokers have rights - smokers pay taxes - more than any other group and smokers vote. It seems that the government does whatever they want these days. They don't work for us anymore - they do back room and after hour deals and just say that's the way it is - deal with it. Well, there seems to be a lot of tea bags being held up and the tags being sent to our "employees" in government. I know they put in to keep thier raises too - I personally don't think any of them deserve a raise - if they work for us - and we are the boss - then - I they should be taxed at 100% of thier raise increase and/or bonuses. Also the fancy dinner parties they attend and host should be considered as an income. I do believe we the people pay for that.

Having smoked for 37 years and having quit Oct 31 2002, I can empathize with the People that still smoke, and the price they will have to pay to support there habit. I don't believe taxing will solve the problem of funding child health care, due to the fact I'm hoping enough people will stop smoking, for there own good and the people around them.
So if you think its time to quit the Nicotrol Inhaler will be cheaper then cigs think about it, it woked for me

Well they will have to come up with another tax soon because they are forcing the people who smoke now to quit smoking. They have shut down most areas for smoking so when they realize they are loosing more money then they are taking in they will find something else to tax. I think that will be the liquor and from there something else. The government should cut there spending and leave people alone. People can make up their own minds about smoking. If it wasn't for all the lawyers out there pushing all the law suits over smoking it would not be a problem with any one.

there is no reason to raise cigs like they are doing. They could cut salaries of big goverment people like grandholm. Cigs are very relaxing to alot of people I for one and yes my health is very bad. They are punshing people who smoke this is suppose to be a free country and everyone can have a fair chance.I smoke so I do not go to places that do not let you smoke,so people who do not smoke can go where there is no smoking.The only reson for raising cigs is to please the non smoker.

I would like to say this is wrong.They always tax the people who smoke but if the govenor or the president smoked this would not happen.People are loosing there homes and jobs why do they want to add to the stress of the average american.Why not raise the tax on alcohol,or guns or anything else.But that is why there is so much crime.The goverment and companies need to cut us americans some slack until this recession blows over and people can get back on track.

While everyone has the right to all things,we have to pay for the things we use (nothing is free). I would rather see the little children benefit from this tax hike than to see a smoker suffer. I (was) a smoker for almost 28 years and realize the stress it caused on me with the wallet getting smaller. A no brainer, Kids who didn't chose to get sick, and smokers who will smoke regardless of the price they have to pay!