Cigar retailers and smokers across Pennsylvania breathed a collective sigh of relief today as Governor Rendell signed into law a budget containing no new taxes on cigars. Call me a pessimist, but I’m still worried about future budgets.
“I can’t believe they left this money on the table and they’d rather see people laid off from their jobs than to tax these products,” opined Deborah P. Brown of the American Lung Association.
They (legislators) didn’t leave money on the table, Deborah, because it was never there to begin with. What they did was refuse to cower in the face the populist opinion your organization has worked so hard to cultivate.
They voted against increasing an already-bloated budget on the backs of hardworking Pennsylvanians and business owners.
They refused to let 4 of the nation’s 8 major tobacconists (and hundreds more brick & mortar shops) be put out of business by pseudo-scientists looking to further their OWN agenda and budget.
They voted not to further tax the enjoyment of a LEGAL PRODUCT.
Proponents of this tax infuriate me, and they should infuriate you, too. This year it was cigars. Next year it could be something you like even more. Where and when does it end?
Supplemental Reading:
Editor in Chief
This is not his picture, nor does he even have a beard. A solid 'B' student and occasional low-fi musician, John is a medley of cynicism and sarcasm crammed into a wrinkled Oxford shirt who makes it nearly intolerable to watch reality television with him in the same room. Interestingly, his Social Security number is all ones.
Show all John Pullo's Articles
Reading Time: 16 minutes It’s our yearly list of great cigar gifts for you or the cigar enthusiast in your life. Streamlined to make sure our premium selections are in stock and ready to ship—so you don’t get caught empty-handed—check out the guide now and get started.
Reading Time: 2 minutes Two down, one more to go, Diesel Cigars will ship Simple Fool, the second Diesel Fool’s Errand trilogy release in March. The Nicaraguan-forward cigar will also be introduced with a collectible tarot card that opens an interactive game. Learn more here.
Reading Time: 3 minutes The limited edition Pastelitos is named after a Cuban baked puff pastry, and its flavor reflects the treat’s sweet and savory qualities. How does this Crowned Heads winter release compare to previous Le Careme limited editions? Watch the review to find out!
Reading Time: 7 minutes What do music and cigars have in common? More than you think. Check out Volume 10 of the Cigar Advisor Playlist and see which songs and smokes we picked as perfect pairs!
I say three cheers to that, now lets play some golf and have a nice cigar.
I say three cheers to that, now lets play some golf and have a nice cigar.
less taxes the better
less taxes the better