The government places these taxes on cigarettes for two reasons. The first reason is to reduce the number of Americans who smoke. “Economists Gary S. Becker, and Michael Grossman estimate that a 10 percent increase in cigarette taxes eventually leads to an 8 percent decrease in cigarette consumption” (“Do Higher Cigarette,” 1994). Some other studies have shown the decrease in consumption at 3 to 5 percent. The second reason, obviously, is to raise the government’s revenue. Many of the tax increase bills specifically state which s

Being a non-smoker myself, before studying the topic of cigarette taxes, I used to favor every increase in cigarette taxes that I heard of. However, after researching all these unintended consequences of the taxes, I believe there is a strong case for the government to make the tax the same amount throughout the country.

Governments also try to reduce smoking by other means. They pass laws on the advertising of tobacco and selling cigarettes to minors. Warning labels are required on all products. The government funds anti-tobacco campaigns, which we see on television all the time. There has also been recent legislation passed in New York and Florida placing restrictions on smoking in public places. Lately, there have been arguments for the government to provide subsidies on products such as nicotine gum and the patch to help people quit smoking.

I think we all know by now, smokers as well as non-smokers, that cigarettes are extremely unhealthy and highly addictive. Let’s look at the some costs of cigarettes on society. Smokers can expect to have more heath problems in their lifetimes, which means higher healthcare costs. However, some people argue that non-smokers live longer than smokers do and will use healthcare services for a longer period of time, thus equalizing these costs. Smokers tend to be absent from work more often, resulting in production losses to society. Fires can be the result of a smoldering cigarette. Also there is a serious problem with litter and cigarettes also pollute the air. Smoking not only affects the smoker’s health, but also the health of their children, friends, and family from second hand smoke. The American Heart Associat

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