by Claudia Bushee

Created on: April 28, 2008

YES, taxing cigarettes can generate a lot of dough for the coffers. Cigarettes start off as a luxury. You don't have to smoke. Just like you don't have to eat candy, or to expand on this concept, buy new cars. But, of course, cigarettes are addictive. So once you start, and if you are paying a tax, you will be shelling out a bunch every month.

I'm in favor of any luxury tax. We lived in Connecticut years ago when they had a tax on cars over the amount of $10,000. That amount is low in terms of today's dollar, but the idea is sound. The question is what constitutes a luxury? Food is a necessity, but are Dove Bars? How about popcorn? And let's bring booze into the discussion. Seems to me it's a luxury, but all the docs say that having a drink a day is good for the health. So maybe not.

If I were King of All Taxing, here is what I would tax:

1. Cigarettes
2. Liquor
3. Property a higher percentage on more expensive properties
4. New cars a higher percentage on autos costing more than $25,000
5. Items deemed non-necessities, such as video games and vacations
6. Income definitely more on higher incomes.

When we lived in South Dakota, there was no state tax (that was the case in Connecticut, too), but there was a tax on food. Tax on food! I firmly believe necessities should not be taxed. Those items include food and clothing. As for shelter, I don't think there should be a tax on rentals, but owned property benefits from government assistance in times of flood or fire, so I do think that property owners should pay tax.

Here is what I wouldn't tax:

1. Food
2. Clothing items under $500
3. Medical services
4. Primary homes that are rented
5. Water, gas and electricity
6. Tuition

So, here's to you, smoker friend, as you hide under an overhang, trying to stay dry, while you spark up. Thank you for paying tax. You are helping your local school district, or perhaps picking up part of the tab at the public clinic. I hope, though, that you can stub out your smoke. You'll save a few dollars a week and preachy cretins won't harass you anymore.

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