Recently, Gov. Jim Doyle announced his proposal to increase the tax on cigarettes by more than $1 per pack. He also initiated the banning of smoking across the state of Wisconsin in "workplaces and public places, including taverns and restaurants." I find this proactive attempt on the part of the governor to both save lives and encourage Wisconsin's smokers to cut back to be thoughtful, legitimate and necessary. Mr. Doyle's strong-willed pitch is backed wholeheartedly by overwhelming evidence reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel stating, "Increasing the cost of smoking makes people more likely to quit and less likely to begin puffing in the first place." In fact, according to the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, "Mark Manz, 28, of Wisconsin Rapids said he'll quit smoking if the cost of cigarettes goes up. 'I won't be able to afford it anymore — which, I guess, is a good thing,' Manz said." Furthermore, Mr. Doyle finds support in numerous smoking-cessation programs. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Doyle's support for a cigarette tax increase will come only when he is assured the money would contribute toward "health care and anti-smoking programs." As a penniless college student and a one-time smoker myself, I can safely say that my desire to purchase a pack would quickly dwindle once I caught a glimpse of the outrageous prices. Lungs will be salvaged and lives will be saved. Point blank. For those of you out there who need a bit more convincing, let me throw some interesting facts your way. According to a recent press release from Wisconsin Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, "It is estimated that 42,000 Wisconsin adults will quit smoking, over 84,000 kids will never start, and 12,000 smoking-affected births will be avoided." In addition to these startling yet exciting statistics, Sen. Jauch also reported that in the past five years, tobacco use in high schools across the state has fallen by 36 percent, not to mention "one UW campus saw a 29 percent reduction in student use." Sen. Jauch gives all the credit to Wisconsin's state-funded tobacco cessation programs. I firmly believe that in addition to Wisconsin's existing campaigns, which correctly label tobacco as the enemy, Gov. Doyle's ideas will further the goals and ambitions of non-smokers nationwide. Unfortunately, this dream-come-true ban and tax increase will most definitely face a few challengers. Taxpayers will likely be angered when they are asked to cough up more money. Smokers in general will expectedly voice their discontent when charged between $1.25 and $1.77 more per pack. Finally, tavern and restaurant owners who permit smoking in their institutions will frown upon their likely decrease in clientele. The ban would also probably add fuel to the fire that is the never-ending feud between the White House head honchos and American citizens. In other words, it is believed by some that because smoking is legal, the watchdog-esque administration has no reason to punish its citizens for exercising their rights. Furthermore, according to the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, many people enjoy smoking cigarettes while drinking alcoholic beverages: "There's something about drinking and smoking that goes together," claims Mary Lou Duerr, president of the Wood County Tavern League. Despite my personal preference to party and/or dine in a smoke-free environment, perhaps Mr. Doyle's plan should have some wiggle room for tavern and restaurant owners. This is the one time I think they should be permitted to make the decision whether or not to allow smoking in their institution. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 21 states and the District of Columbia already enforce workplace and/or restaurant and bar smoking bans. It is my belief that Wisconsin needs to catch up with the growing trend. The time has come to allow hardworking businesspeople the right to breathe fresh, smoke-free air in their crowded cubicles, but it should not stop there. Don't we all want to enjoy a delicious meal without the intoxicating aroma of tobacco robbing us of culinary and social satisfaction? I say if people choose to harm their health and quality of life, more power to them. Yet, when innocent bystanders and non-smoking patrons come into play, I stand with Gov. Doyle and am prepared to point all smokers to the exit. Meredith Togstad ([email protected]) is a sophomore intending to major in journalism and French.
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Doyle’s tax right for Wisconsin
February 6, 2007
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