Perry extinguishes move to increase cigarette tax
Never mind the fact that the state of Texas is in a serious financial bind, and never mind that the state also has a public health responsibility to provided disincentives to smoke. Nope, my guess is that Governor Goodhair got a bunch of campaign money from Big Tobacco last fall and that he doesn't want to run the risk of alienating a powerful ally.
AUSTIN -- Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn said Monday a $1-a-pack cigarette tax increase would help balance the state budget without gimmicks, but Gov. Rick Perry quickly shot down the idea.
"It ain't going to happen," Perry said. "It's pretty straightforward -- there isn't going to be a cigarette tax increase in this session of the Legislature. We'll get this budget balanced without having to enhance these revenue sources."
Strayhorn announced her support for a cigarette tax increase while warning legislators that state business tax collections are in a "free-fall," hinting she might increase the size of the state's shortfall.
Legislators are trying to craft a two-year budget based on Strayhorn's prediction that state tax collections will be down $9.9 billion. A House-Senate conference committee is working out the details of a final budget proposal, which must be approved by both chambers before June 2....
A cigarette tax is acceptable because it will give young people an incentive not to smoke, Strayhorn said.
"As a mama and a grandmama I want to deter young people from smoking," Strayhorn said.
A Republican who ran on a promise to oppose tax increases, Strayhorn said her cigarette tax proposal does not violate that stand because it is a revenue stream that does good.
"This is a revenue stream I believe the people of Texas will support," she said.
As far as Governor Goodhair is concerned, though, none of that matters, especially when you've already quite likely been bought and paid for by Big Tobacco. So, Governor, what is your alternative? If you're going to veto the proposal of the official responsible for the state budget, I'm assuming you have a better idea? You are a leader, after all- aren't you??
