Tobacco tax increase is a good plan for Michigan
I would like to commend Gov. Granholm for her recent budget plan, which included a tax increase on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Michigan, and a huge burden on taxpayers.
Raising tobacco taxes will generate needed revenue for Michigan, and a portion of that revenue should be used to fund tobacco prevention and to help people quit. Studies in other states show that investing in tobacco prevention simultaneously improves health and saves money. As revenues in Michigan fall, our elected leaders need to consider new revenue sources to fund prevention programs that protect the public’s health.
Gov. Granholm’s proposal to increase tobacco taxes makes good sense. States that increase tobacco taxes experience substantial and reliable increases in revenue. Dedicating a portion of the revenue to keep kids from starting to use tobacco and to helping people quit is essential for saving lives and reducing health care costs.
Copyright © 2009 Mlive
October 12, 2009
Tags: tobacco warnings
