US /

Smokers Gasp at Highest Tax Hike Ever

They're hit twice as companies boost their profits, too
By Ambreen Ali,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 1, 2009 2:13 PM CDT
Smokers Gasp at Highest Tax Hike Ever
Tobacco users are facing a big hit this week as the single largest federal tobacco tax hike in history takes effect.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Smokers are feeling pinched by today's 62-cent hike in the federal cigarette tax, the biggest ever. Federal taxes now top $1 per pack, CNN reports. At the same time, manufacturers and retailers have raised prices to boost dwindling profits. "They're picking on smokers," an 83-year-old said of the government. "I'm not going to quit smoking, regardless of what they do."

Proceeds from the higher tobacco tax, which President Obama authorized in February, will help expand state health insurance to an additional 4 million kids. Although some taxpayers prefer taxing nonessentials to increasing levies on fuel or food, smokers say they feel targeted as the price of an average pack jumps to $4.80. "I personally smoke cigars to relax," says one. "Why am I being punished for it?" (More taxes stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X