Pennsylvania Legislature Proposes A New 30% Cigar Tax

[twenty5]

From CRA Email:

After striking a budget deal two weeks ago, matters have taken a serious turn for the worse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Members of the House and Senate in Pennsylvania are again seeking a budget, and new taxes on cigars specifically, have become a very real threat.

A new budget plan calls for imposing a 30% tax on all cigars in Pennsylvania. This proposal must be defeated, and we need your assistance.

Such a tax rate will inflict severe economic harm on the professional retail tobacconists of Pennsylvania, and upon the consumers of premium hand made cigars. In this economic climate, as the worst since the Great Depression, it is a dangerous and ill advised maneuver to impose such a tax upon the small businesses and consumers of cigars within Pennsylvania.

TELL THE MEMBERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE NOT TO BALANCE THE BUDGET ON THE BACKS OF CIGAR ENTHUSIASTS.

 

[twenty5]

I wonder what CI and Famous think of that...

 

[Phi Delt]

wow, that's a brutal tax.

 

[Bass man]

Still peanuts compared to the taxes on ciggies. If people actually stopped smoking, the government would be broker than it already is.

 

[jwyatt55]

I wonder what CI and Famous think of that...

Exactly my thoughts. That would def put a big hurt on business :nono:

 

[blooz4u]

Yikes!!

 

[bigbwalls]

Ridiculous. When I read that E-mail I almost cried.

I'll be contacting my fellow congressman.

 

[Scot]

Legalize pot and tax it you dumbass politicians. Leave my fucking smokes alone!

 

[Soundwave13]

I saw this too - I'm not sure what to say without spending a lot of time composing an email to each representative, even though I read the email, bill & found each legislator.

Don't have time for a form letter - but it would be nice if someting was drafted that could be personalized or altered, yet it will get the message across clearly & consisely.

Here are the reps emails/contacts:
Patrick Brown (R): pbrowne@pasen.gov
Lisa M. Boscola (D): boscola@pasenate.com
Richard T. Grucela (D): http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=137
Craig A. Dally (R): http://www.craigdally.com/?sectionid=36&sectiontree=36

 

[bigbwalls]

I E-mailed Mirabito and Everett. They serve the Lycoming County area.

 

[e-man67]

It's funny that they target tobacco as the world evil, pay farmers not to grow it, and yet rely heavily on the tax revenue.....f#$ked up world in which we live.

 

[bigbwalls]

Ha, Rep. Everett is on our side.

My E-mail asked him to vote NO on the increase. His response: "I shall."

What a quick response...

 

[smokinghole]

I wonder what CI and Famous think of that...

I know exactly what they think of that. With them being as big of companies as they are if they were smart, and we know they are, they already own land in each of the other states that do not excise a tax on cigars IE Florida. They will move, and PA will lose the jobs, the supposed taxes, and the sales taxes made off their stores. Big loss for such a small tax base.

 

[smokinghole]

Ooh and I emailed a few reps/ state senators tonight.

 

[Soundwave13]

Emails sent to each:

Re: HB1531 (See pages 50-56)

A 30% tax on all cigars in Pennsylvania will inflict severe economic harm on the professional retail tobacconists of Pennsylvania, not to mention the consumers of premium hand made cigars. Many businesses would relocate to other states. PA will lose the jobs and the sales taxes made off their stores.

 

[smokinghole]

That's almost exactly what I sent them. Imposing this tax is a good way to shoot themselves in the foot.

One thing that makes me laugh about your email is the subject. I'm not laughing at you I'm laughing at them because they will have to read the bill to know what you're talking about. I just left my subject as cigar tax. That way the douche bags that don't read the bills at least get it spelled out for them.

 

[derfatdutchman]

I sent out my e-mails yesterday, not only will this hurt the economy of the state but Uncle Ed and his pals seem to forget that PA is the second largest grower of tobacco in the US (Kentucky is no. 1) and arigculture is still the no. 1 industry in PA.

 

[Soundwave13]

That's almost exactly what I sent them. Imposing this tax is a good way to shoot themselves in the foot.

One thing that makes me laugh about your email is the subject. I'm not laughing at you I'm laughing at them because they will have to read the bill to know what you're talking about. I just left my subject as cigar tax. That way the douche bags that don't read the bills at least get it spelled out for them.

Actually, I put the subject as "Against Cigar Tax" - I tried to keep it as short & to the point as possible too! Hopefully the message gets through!

 

[Robinsond]

But...I live in PA!! If this comes to a reality, I'm not sure what I'm going to do about getting cigars while at home...what a F&c*ing downer!!
:hanghead:

 

[tazbigdog]

I thought that this tax had to do with the little cigarellos. They want to tax them the same as cigarettes.:assaultri