- Tom Jordan
- Posted On
Jordan: Vote yes on tobacco tax initiative
I was pleasantly surprised to read in the S.F. Chronicle that its editors are recommending yes on Proposition 56, the Tobacco Tax Initiative.
Prop 56, if approved, will add an additional $2 tax on a package of cigarettes.
Research has confirmed that heavy taxation on tobacco products is the most effective means to stop smoking. It also confirms that smoking is the most addictive of all risky health behaviors.
Cessation is important because providing public health care for those addicted to nicotine costs us, the taxpayers, on average, $18.29 per package of cigarettes sold!
Prop 56 will also apply the tax to e-cigarettes. This is equally important because the tobacco industry, the prime manufacturer of e-cigarettes, is targeting our youth in its marketing campaigns.
This is easily demonstrated by the “cutesy” packaging and the multiple sweet flavors that can be used in an e-cigarette. Of course each flavor contains nicotine and we all know this is the additive that creates the addiction.
The funding generated from the additional tax will primarily go to fund the health care costs paid by public health. It will also pay for research and public education programs to raise greater awareness of the devastation of tobacco products and in particular the tobacco industry’s marketing strategy to “hook” our children on e-cigarettes much like its “Joe Camel” strategy.
Radio and TV ads are already trying to convince you to vote no on Prop 56, by linking the proposition to a diversion of funds for education.
Do not be deceived. The only education funded by tobacco taxes is to increase awareness of the detrimental health caused by smoking. These ads are entirely paid for by the tobacco industry. They are spending millions to kill this “We the People” initiative.
At the same time this industry is silent on Prop 64, the Marijuana Recreational Use Initiative. This is because they are quietly buying up acres of land to position itself to become the major marijuana producer, thereby putting our small entrepreneurs out of business. I think it should be clear to all what this industry’s motive is: Profit.
Don’t let big money win. Vote Yes on Prop 56.
Tom Jordan is the former executive director of First 5 Lake. He lives in Lakeport, Calif.