What does Missouri's proposed tax increase on cigarettes mean to you? - Public Insight Network | St. Louis Beacon and the Nine Network of Public Media

What does Missouri's proposed tax increase on cigarettes mean to you?

Missouri voters have a chance to consider an initiative petition proposal on the Nov. 6 ballot that calls for raising the state's tax on tobacco. At 17 cents a pack, Missouri's current tax is the lowest in the nation. If approved, the tax would increase to 90 cents. In Illinois, the tax is $1.98 a pack.

Supporters say the goals include discouraging young people from smoking; lowering the cost of treating smoking-related illnesses under the state's Medicaid program; and raising money for education. Opponents reject what they consider an unfair tax.

What does this mean to you? Please respond to the questions below and share your knowledge.

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E-mail *

First Name *

Last Name *

Street Address

City

State or Province *

Postal Code *

Phone *

Do you smoke cigarettes?

Yes
No

How would you define your position on the proposed tax increase?

I support the proposed increase on a pack of cigarettes to 90 cents from 17 cents.
I favor a tax increase and believe it should be even higher.
I oppose the tax, but I might change my mind if it were lower.
I oppose the whole idea of raising cigarette taxes in this way.
Other

If you picked "other," please explain.

The U.S surgeon general warns that cigarette smoking is a health hazard. If you smoke, would you like to quit? Have you ever tried? Tell us about your experience at trying to quit, or why you have not?

If you are a former smoker, how long did you smoke? When did you stop? How did you do it?

If voters approve the tax increase in November, and if you smoke, how is the increase likely to affect you? Would the tax increase give you incentive to quit or make no difference to you? Please explain.

Money from increased taxes would go to education and smoking cessation programs. If you smoke, how likely are you to enroll in a cessation program? Why or why not?

Are you likely to vote in favor or against the proposed tax increase? Why/why not.

Regardless of whether or not you smoke cigarettes, are cigarette taxes a good way to fund education? Why/why not?

What else should we know, or what else would you like to know, this issue? If you know of someone else we should contact, please give us a way to reach them (email address/telephone number).

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May we publish your insights (and any uploaded files) and attribute them to you? A reporter, editor or producer will contact you to confirm. (Your comments may be edited for length or clarity and a reporter may want to interview you further.) *

Yes
No

Now, please answer a few questions that will help us better understand your perspective. None of this information is required.

What's your occupation? If you are a student, which school do you attend? If you are retired, what is your former occupation?

In what year were you born?

How old are you today?

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Other

If you picked "other," please explain.

Feel free to pass this form on to anyone you know who might want to share their insights. Here's a link to give them: http://bit.ly/TobacTax0912

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