ALBANY -- New York Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines says a higher tax on cigarettes is having the desired effect on a nasty habit.
He says calls to the state's Smoker's Quitline more than quadrupled during the week of June 2 to nearly 10,000. That compares to fewer than 2,300 calls during the same week last year.
The increase that took effect June 3 sent the tax from $1.25 to $2.75 per pack -- the highest in the nation. In most of the state, cigarettes range between $6 and $8 a pack, and can cost as much as $10 in New York City.
Audrey Silk, who heads NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment, says the boost in calls is just a knee-jerk reaction, and most smokers will return to their habit.
The increase that took effect June 3 sent the tax from $1.25 to $2.75 per pack -- the highest in the nation. In most of the state, cigarettes range between $6 and $8 a pack, and can cost as much as $10 in New York City.
Audrey Silk, who heads NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment, says the boost in calls is just a knee-jerk reaction, and most smokers will return to their habit.
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Post your comment - click hereThere are 6 comment(s)
dan w wrote on Jun 13, 2008 8:27 AM:
james_13021 wrote on Jun 13, 2008 5:15 AM:
No, I don't smoke, but I believe there should be a tax on those who want to tell others how they should live their lives. It seems there is group of people in this State who like to micro-manage, in detail, how the rest of us should live.
Tolerance, compassion, and Understand...Please! "
just here! wrote on Jun 12, 2008 11:07 PM:
theking wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:23 PM:
OnlineReader wrote on Jun 12, 2008 7:59 PM:
Unknown... wrote on Jun 12, 2008 7:05 PM: