Kriseman sees revenue in cigarette tax

Democratic State Rep. Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg called on closing "antiquated tax exemptions" as a way to rescue the Florida economy in a news release today. He said lifting the exemption on the purchase of bottled water could generate nearly $50-million annually in new revenue.

"Other, even sillier, exemptions exist," Kriseman wrote.

Kriseman also championed a bill he's co-sponsoring that "places a fee of $1 on all packs of cigarettes." Increasing the cigarette tax is something Gov. Charlie Crist has considered, but he pulled back late last month after facing industry resistance.

"It is encouraging that the governor has expressed interest in this bill," Kriseman said in his statement. "Leadership in the House and Senate should follow suit."

Will Van Sant, Times Staff Writer

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Comments

Rick is right.

Full Posting from Rick Kriseman:

Like the rest of America, Florida’s economy is in poor health and our current fiscal year deficit has ballooned to more than $2-billion. Too much reliance on unpredictable sales and property taxes and billions of dollars of unfair tax exemptions and loopholes for big business and the wealthy have caught up with us. To dig out of this financial hole, we will need to diversify our economy to provide a steadier foundation beyond just tourism and agriculture. We must look for long term solutions to our economic problems. A focus on green technology is a start. We must also be wiser stewards of the people’s tax dollars and cut back on the pet projects that benefit just a few. And of course, investment in education will pay great long term dividends.

The severity of our current fiscal crisis also calls for quick, short term fixes. The repeal of antiquated tax exemptions is long overdue. Repealing the exemption on the purchase of bottled water, a luxury item, would generate nearly $50-million per year, and could help alleviate the strain the bottled water industry has placed on our environment. Other, even sillier, exemptions exist.

Another short-term fix is HB 11, of which I am again a proud co-sponsor. This bill places a fee of $1.00 on all packs of cigarettes. Opponents of the bill will argue that such a tax is regressive or unfair. However, that is a misguided argument, as the benefits far outweigh any negative consequences.

It is estimated that approximately 123,000 Floridians will quit smoking immediately. Studies in multiple states have shown that higher cigarette prices reduces smoking, especially among teens. Even with less Floridians smoking, revenues will still be greater after the implementation of the increased fee, and of equal importance, we will reduce the burden on our health care system – resulting in a savings of taxpayer money.

There are numerous other myths surrounding this proposal – too many to list and debunk – but the facts are more numerous. A $1.00 tax doesn’t even bring us to the national average, yet would provide us with the funds necessary to begin bailing us out of our current hole. It is encouraging that the governor has expressed interest in this bill. Leadership in the house and senate should follow suit.

[TRUE BLUE]

RICKY BOY,We don't need any "short term" fixes. What the state need is a through overhaul of our tax system. Instead of picking on water drinkers and smokers, why don't you look at a broad based tax solution that will serve us into the future?? Oh, that's right. It would take some creative thinking.

True Blue: He just said we need more than short term solutions and he listed long term solutions. Read.

5:16, you don't have to stay a half hour late today at the Kriseman Leg. Office. you can go home by 5.

nice try

[attentive]

Hey Kriseman;
Get a grip. What a dumb thing to put before the public. Have you determined how many eligible voters SMOKE? Count those against your dumb a.. in your next electoral venture. Not really big on any taxation as I live on a fixed income I have to ask why it is that you and the rest of that bunch of ball less eunochs in the state legislature fail to stop avoiding the state income tax issue.
No you would rather single out segments of the population for special treatment. Why is it that you do not tax the beer, whiskey and other alchies, and heavens knows that a dollar a can/bottle tax on the Bud Light drinkers wouuld more than take up the slack. What is the annual cost to your precious taxpayers in hospital costs attributable to alchohol related hospitalization. Try visiting the annual reports on hospitalization due to drunken driving alone. Geez, you make a body want to regurg... You election demonstrates the plight of this democracy, that is, a truly politically ignorant electorate who is sold the best of bag of horse puckey.
And to say that you are proud to have sponsored such stupid legislation is to attest to your sheer stupidity.
And for the urchin who suggests that Ricky boy addressed long term concerns, ask him what he did to curtail the massive cuts in public education. And in case you haven't heard, the budget shortfalls will allow us to witness the closing of schools here in Pinellas County. Yeah, way to go long-term Rick (education).
Oh boy

Where are the statesmen(women) like our former Gov. Leroy Collins who took on the special interests and WON? Now that was a Democrat. And you wonder why we are in the sh_t hole we are in with the likes of Tricky Ricky in Tall.

You're comparing a governor to a legislator in the minority party taking on special interests? wow. Special interests is big tobacco and tricky rick seems to be willing to take em on.

"He said lifting the exemption on the purchase of bottled water could generate nearly $50-million annually in new revenue."

Why would you want to tax WATER? These "silly" exemptions are on food and necessities. Water is a necessity.

bottled water is not a necessity. It is a luxury and the exemption is f'ed up. How dumb. Also, it screws up environment.

Bottled water is hardly a sin tax.

I'd hazard a guess that those who can afford bottled water would be be better able to afford a "sin tax" than those who buy Bud Light.

Smoking cigarettes is harmful. Tax it all you want to discourage use. Heck, go after the tobacco companies, too. Eventually taxpayers foot the bill for a health system loaded down by people sick from smoking related illnesses. It's entirely preventable.

Drinking bottled water is entirely different because:

1) The water coming out of the pipes is not up to snuff either in quality or taste because the legislature for a long time has protected polluters and corporations more than the public.

2) The state lege allows companies like Nestle and Perrier to come in, stick a big sucking straw in our springs, and then sell us back our natural resources at a premium. People buy it partly because of reason Number 1.

3) Water is a basic human need. Not a sin. Not a luxury.

Taxing bottled water is like skimming off the top of an already bad deal.

932AM:

Most people don't even know bottled water is exempt from taxes. And study after study has shown bottled water has no great benefit over municipal tap water. In fact, tap water has some fluoride - an added benefit.

Seperate the issue of whether or not we need wholesale recycling from taxing groceries.

If bottled water is not a necessity, tell me how to get water from the store to my house.

Or better yet, come to my house and fix my water so it is drinkable. Flouride or not, the hard water deposits on my teeth, and faucets and tile and sinks and dishes, etc.

Pinellas County's drinking water leaves a lot to be desired.

Want to "tax" people who don't choose to recycle, then require deposits on ALL plastic containers as well as glass and aluminum.

Don't tax me for drinking water instead of calorie laden juices. There's already a "sin" tax on sugar-filled drinks.

FL's tax exemptions make sense just the way they are.

1153AM:

Are you sure Florida's tax exemptions make sense? Really? Ostrich feed? Airplanes? Luxury boxes?

Well, um, then tax ostrich feed and luxury boxes instead of water, maybe?

Does the ostrich lobby have some powerful presence in the capitol that I am not aware of? Do they threaten to bring the birds into the offices as protest?

Ostrich meat is an environmentally friendly alternative to beef. So yes, it makes sense to provide tax benefits to encourage production.

Please tell me you haven't bet our budget money on taxing ostrich feed.

1:01pm, don't underestimate the power of an angry ostrich. I wouldn't want to come eye to eye with one of those birds!

Wow;
attentive must have hit a nerve. only one response to taxing beer. maybe ricky boy chose the lesser of two evils to tax. maybe he knows something about the alchoholic population.

[Teresa]

Why don't you tax hike beer, wine and liquor? There's more deaths and injuries from DUI's than smokers. What's the matter, too many rich folks drink verses smoke? You don't want the lining of your pocket to go?

[mad moderate]

If this tax includes any tax on cigars expect the full wrath of limbaugh upon you!!!He is one of those republicans who thinks greed is good,godly even.
Hey,the new sales tax exemption on yachts and planes will go to heck if the so called fair tax is implemented.
If 7% will keep someone from buying a plane or yacht what will 30% do?