Deval's Lobbyist Pal - Screw Ethics Reform

But, but, cigarette tax stamp counterfeiting is rampant...;) (0.00 / 0)

the article says that the state found 1,800 packs of cigarettes that had phony tax stamps on them - over the last 5 years.  

So we have to do the math -

(state tax rate on cigarettes X 1,800 packs of cigarettes)  if it equals 3 million dollars or more it is a bargain.  If it is less we are once again getting screwed by Deval Patrick and his cabal....

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by: Vote3rdpartynow @ Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 13:53:15 PM CDT

I think it's the later (5.00 / 1)

We forget the dates

I believe the state grabs 2.51 on a pack (have to check)
A year ago it was raised by a dollar
two years prior to that it was raised by the better part of a buck.
There have been several .25 and .50 raises over the past 5-6 years.  In fact it's one of the first places they jump to when they need money, because who is going to defend the evil smokers?  They can say whatever they want about health concerns and getting people to quit, but is ALL about the money and has been for years.  It may have started as a health deal, but they grew fond of the revenue.  While they wasted millions in tobacco settlements they were supposed to use for tobacco prevention programs.

It has only since we have some of the highest taxes on butts in the country that this has been a real issue.  The increases have netted them much less than projected for various reasons (people quit, go out of state, buy online, set up mailing services with out of state relatives). But 1800 cartons over five years = 360 carton a year = roughly a carton a day....is that worth 3 million bucks?  Even at current tax rates (which weren't if effect 5 years ago), by my math that nets them about 45k (1800 cartons X 10pk/carton X 2.51/pk = $45810 in taxes for the counterfeits snagged over 5 years.  What a bargain!

I think this is just another patronage scheme for someone that is connected.  

Unless they want to put a wall around the state, turn off internet access, and deny mail service, dedicated smokers will smoke in the cheapest way they can.

Ah, I found the link I was looking for tobacco taxes
http://www.tobaccofreekids.org...

Follow me on twitter @garyrlake

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by: garyrlake @ Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 14:36:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Opps my math was off (0.00 / 0)

It wasn't even 1800 cartons, it was 1800 packs!

Oh yeah guys....don't spend that $4581 all in one place.  Please....100% scam

Follow me on twitter @garyrlake

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by: garyrlake @ Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 14:38:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

SOMEhow.... (0.00 / 0)

this needs to be tied to something for the chiiiiiiiiiiiiildren....

"The best part will be the arrest of all the biotech workers....."  --JH

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by: ElectricStrawberry @ Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 14:53:53 PM CDT

$3 Million (0.00 / 0)

The $3 million is only for this year - every year after that I assume there will be higher admin costs for the newer technology... scam

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by: plymouth99 @ Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 14:55:52 PM CDT