House Bill 215 calls for increases to Delaware’s tobacco tax, raising the cigarette tax to $3.60 a pack (up from $2.10) and upping the rates for other products, as well. The proposal’s backers say its benefits would be a reduction in tobacco use and related illnesses. It would also bring in millions in new revenue for the state. Do you agree with this legislation?
Have any studies been performed on the demographics of those who smoke? They are the ones who will be paying the tax, and I don’t think it is the wealthy population. — Ellen Hart Richardson
I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. It has zero effect on me. — Kyle Hendrix
That’s all well and good until they target something that you do spend money on. I don’t smoke or drink either. — Mark Schmalhofer
Well, if it stops people from using these products, how does that raise revenue? I am in agreement with taxing restaurants of all types and private and public club memberships, like golf clubs. — Diane Butters-Eastburn
This would typically hurt the poor. It’s a regressive tax. How about taxing the rich? — Thomas J. Chilton
It’s just another cash grab by the Democrats. Why not tax country club memberships? Let’s tax medications at the pharmacy. How about a dog food tax? Ice cream makes you fat, so let’s tax that, as well. Thinking of health, we definitely need a McDonald’s tax. That will rake in millions and reduce obesity. — Bob Hice
It’s Delaware and Democrats. Everything is going to continue to go up. — Dennis Mehrenberg
And, really, where does the money go? Delaware needs to cut spending. Delaware seriously needs a Department of Government Efficiency. — Margaret Mclaughlin
They are just going to force more people into crime or homelessness as a result. — Howard Brobst
Delaware is driving everyone out by increasing taxes on everything it can lately. — Kelly Ross
