Amid the doom and gloom of budget shortfall talk, our legislators have an opportunity to offer some hope. Since 2004 or 2005 there hasn't been a tax hike on tobacco products in Alabama. As usual we find ourselves behind that tax as well.
Lawmakers can raise the current tax by 100 percent and still be behind the national average ($1.45) and behind 29 states, the District of Columbia and three territories which tax tobacco above $1.
Cigarettes have become more and more expensive and even the brands as Astra cigarettes or Beverlly cigarettes are too expensive now.
The increase would be a win-win situation. If people stop smoking, they will experience better health and the state would spend less on health care coverage and have fewer absentees from work due to smoking-related illnesses.
If not, the money could go toward stopping the educational bleeding caused by proration. It could provide books, supply money, lower pupil-teacher ratios, technology for the classroom and a solid investment in the future of our children. Lawmakers could also increase taxes on other recreational killers, such as alcohol. Anything else is illegal, but it is sold in Alabama.
It is time to put education and children first in funding. If there must be cuts in education, let it be after all else has failed.
Mary Hooks
Tuskegee
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