Tue, Feb 09 2010
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Published February 19, 2009 09:08 am - The old adage “smoke ‘em if you got ‘em” may take on a whole new meaning after April 1. A new federal tax will go into effect soon, increasing the cost of a package of cigarettes by 62 cents. Tobacco users facing sharp tax hike Effective April 1, the price of a pack of cigarettes will increase 62 cents, and part of the money will be used to fund a children’s health insurance mandate. By TEDDYE SNELL Press Staff Writer TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — The old adage “smoke ‘em if you got ‘em” may take on a whole new meaning after April 1.
A new federal tax will go into effect soon, increasing the cost of a package of cigarettes by 62 cents. Locally, smokers pay anywhere between $3.15 and $5.05 per pack at grocery and convenience stores, and slightly less – about 15 to 20 cents per pack – at tribal smoke shops. After April 1, those paying top prices will be paying $5.67 for 20, class-A cigarettes, or 28 cents a smoke. The state tax on cigarettes in Oklahoma is $1.03, and with the federal increase moving from 39 cents per pack to $1.01 per pack, the total tax will be $2.04. According to a report by the Associated Press, tribal smoke shops are not exempt from the federal tax; only state taxes can be avoided by smoke shop customers. Despite the steep hike, local resident June Ludwig doesn’t believe the increase will convince people to quit. “[The higher tax] won’t help [people quit],” said Ludwig. “People who want to smoke will smoke. If it were a price issue, people would have quit several years ago when prices skyrocketed.” Kevin Edmondson believes the opposite – that some smokers and tobacco users may use the increased price as a catalyst to quit. “I do think some people will refuse to pay that much,” he said. “It’s the biggest price increase I’ve ever seen on tobacco products to happen all at once.” Ludwig thinks some people will choose to go without other things before trying to kick the habit. “I see people maybe waiting to buy a new pair of shoes to save money to pay for tobacco,” she said. “Worse yet, theft of cigarettes is liable to increase.” During the exchange, Ludwig wondered about people growing their own tobacco for personal consumption. “Maybe people will just start growing their own tobacco in gardens,” she said. “That’s it! Forget our regular garden; Lud [June’s husband] and I are growing tobacco!” Edmondson intervened, saying he didn’t think you could get seeds. “I think they’re government-controlled,” he said. 
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