Taxing ‘sin’ probably won’t cure bad habit, but will help budget

It’s hard to argue with Gov. Brownback’s proposal to increase taxes on sales of tobacco and alcohol. Such commodities, after all, are luxuries.
The tobacco tax would increase from 79 cents to $2.29 a pack; the tax on beer, wine and liquor would go from 8 to 12 percent.
Those who live in communities that border other states, claim they will lose business to their neighbors.
Missouri’s tax on cigarettes is 17 cents; Oklahoma’s is $1.03.  The national average is $1.54 per pack.
As for the tax on alcohol, Kansas is below the national average for each category, beer, wine and spirits.
Commonly called “sin” taxes, the levies on tobacco and alcohol would raise about $110 million annually — about 15 percent of the predicted budget hole.
If we all smoked and drank the tax would be fairer. As it is, the tax will be a heavier burden on the poor and working class who have fewer options to pay for the goods.
As far as being a deterrent to the unhealthy behaviors — it’s a stretch. Bad habits are hard to break.
Others say don’t stop with tobacco and alcoholic products.
A group of physicians from Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic last year promoted targeting taxes on sugary drinks and fatty foods as well as alcohol and tobacco, in an effort to get people to live more healthy lives.
Berkeley, Calif., was the first U.S. city to pass a tax on sugary drinks.  The vote to  levy a one cent per ounce tax passed by a whopping 75 percent majority in last November’s election.
The intent is to deter people from consuming empty calories. The tax is expected to raise more than $1 million a year for the community and will go toward health programs.

TAXING VICES comes across heavy-handed and will cause resentment to both retailers and consumers.
If our current rates for both alcohol and tobacco weren’t so far below the national average, that resentment would carry more weight.
As it is, however, the tax increases are necessary to help address a state budget  that is in crisis mode.
This fiscal year Kansas has budgeted $6.4 billion; with less than $5.8 billion in expected revenues.
Legislators should pass the two taxes. And the governor would appreciate it if they tipped a pint in celebration.
 — Susan Lynn