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Someone commented below about their disapointment regarding tobacco taxes. The great thing about tobacco and other "sin" taxes, is that in terms of policy, one can get a good "two for one" - extra money is raised, AND use is discouraged.

For both tobacco and alcohol, there's good research to show that when the prices are raised, the two populations that cut down on their use are adolescents and pregnant women (populations that shouldn't be using anyway). I'm happy to hear about the proposal to increase tobacco taxes, but I think the Governor gets too nervous about wine and beer industry pushback - he should also be advocating for an increase there, as well. Oregon has the lowest alcohol taxes in the nation, the last time those taxes were raised was, I believe, in the '60's. I would be more than happy to pay an extra 50 cents for a six-pack or bottle of wine.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
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