Cigarette taxes per state http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research ... f/0097.pdf. Effective 11/2009 - Average cost per pack = $5.15 plus taxes.
That would be about right for NYS (not NYC) with the cost of a pack at about $8.00. The proposal, would increase it another dollar.

look, i watched my grandma go through a long, painful death due to a lifetime of smoking. why people choose to get into that habit now, is beyond me.

_________________

I agree, the Republicans and Democrats are equally bad.

I've been through a similar experience, but that doesn't give you, me, or a bunch of politicians the right to take away freedoms.

I'm a Libertarian. If an American adult wants to ruin their life or destroy their body, that's their individual choice.
It's not like there's anyone left that doesn't know how bad smoking is. People choose to do it anyway.

_________________
Hold my beer and watch this...

Both my father's parents died of cancer that was related to smoking. However, if they were obese they would have probably died earlier, so maybe the smoking added years to their lives. He died at 80, she died at 81.

I think smoking should be taken up after the age of 35, though, because most obesity creeps in after that age when the metabolism begins to slow down. That way, the more dangerous long-term smoking effects are reduced drastically.

_________________
Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

My mom smoked when I was young but quit because of me because I have Jesus powers.

_________________
Proud LGBTQQ Individual

I'm thin and I don't smoke.

Tax the shit out of cigarettes, much rather make people go broke then have to breathe in your filthy cig smoke.

_________________

im going concede after this post, i think. but if a state hurting for funds wants to tax a vice for the good of the state, im for it. if me paying an extra 50 cents a beer at the bar helps the great state of michigan out of this (self induced) economic crisis, then i am for it. i just dont think the individual should put themselves first in this case, if it can help a great number of people, potentially.

the smoking vs anti-smoking debate, thats for a different thread.

note: economic crises, i mean the downward trend michigan has taken due to the deteriorating auto industry we lean on way too much.

_________________

You may be thin now, but you're still just a kid. Give it time. In 15-20 years, when you've added another 50 lbs, THEN you'll need to start puffing away the poundage.

_________________
Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

I'm never going to smoke, or ever let myself get that way ETC.

If I were to gain 50 pounds, It wouldn't be a huge deal, 200 on a 6 foot frame.

_________________

Hey, if you stay skinny and never need to smoke, great. Take that chance if you want. I'm not saying every person in the world must smoke, but I do think we should tax all Americans so that those who do have weight problems can be provided with cigarette benefits as part of their health care coverage.

_________________
Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

I'd rather be overweight and have the option to do something about it than have lung cancer and have fewer options.

Just my opinion.

This thread is about increased taxes in NYS, not a smoking debate

Yes, that's why I suggested cigarettes should be provided medicinally as a health care benefit to fight obesity in America.

_________________
Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

I love the suggested letter which tells you to be polite and professional.
How are you supposed to do that when you when to tell them to stick it where the sun doesn't shine?

Anyway, here's my question; When you contact your elected official(s), are you supposed to write to all of these; Federal Senate, Federal House, State Governor, State Senate, & State House?

Depends on the issue but write anyone that directly represents you.
Not often does an issue span both State and Federal at the same time though.

_________________
Hold my beer and watch this...

I happen to agree with Crosscheck here. I may not like smoking, but its not my place to tell others how to live their life.

_________________
Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

im for banning smoking in public places, all of them that are not bars, saloons, and the such

on your private non company residence, then feel free to smoke(unless your landlord prohibits it, like my dad does)

_________________
PSA: I am an overly sarcastic person. If you take me at my word, then i will most likely anger and offend you.

I don't care that people smoke.. well.. whatever they decide to. I do have a problem getting that smell stuck in my clothing. I'm glad that people can't smoke in bars and the such, and I don't think it bothers people that much. I know lots who just go outside and smoke then come back in and continue having a good time. If the gov't really wants to make golden, legalize pot and tax the hell out of it.

_________________

_________________
"Go out and run 'em."
- Lindy Ruff, 23 Feb. 2007