December 28, 2009

Kansas Governor, Mark Parkinson, is proposing the state raise taxes on tobacco products, possibly as high as $1.34, the current national average.

Among smokers, the proposal is frowned upon.

"I don't like that... I just hate it," said Kathleen Gouch.

Currently the state cigarette tax is 79 cents a pack. Governor Parkinson is looking to raise the tax to $1.34, the current national average.

Cigarette taxes across the country range from 17 cents a pack in Missouri to $2.75 a pack in New York state.

"If we had national average income, fine... but we don't," said smoker, Billy Martin.

Many smokers said the reason they are so outraged by the governor's proposal is because they feel targeted. They said that when the government needs money, smokers are the ones who pay the price.

"That's what makes me mad... They don't tax liquor like they do tobacco," said Gouch.

Others said if the revenue generated from tobacco sales goes to help pay for health care, they understand the tax surge. The governor, however, hasn't yet said where the additional revenue will go. It could go toward balancing the 2011 budget, which is already in trouble.

More information about the tobacco tax is expected to be released in the coming weeks.