Big Tobacco Meets Big Tax

news you may not know

What's it Worth...

How much is it worth? Really -- deep down, at the very heart of your being. How much is that puff, especially the very first one, really worth to you?

Well, this is a question that may soon be answered.

A new federal cigarette tax is scheduled to take effect on April 1. The increase is likely to send cigarette prices soaring. The new tax will add about $.60 per pack to the already pricey little joysticks. And, the real question then becomes, exactly how much joy will be left in each costly pack?

Officials say that smoking currently kills over 400,000 Americans each year. The burden on the healthcare system is quickly approaching $200 billion annually. So, these are big stakes any way you look at it.

Analysts predict the new tax might prevent as many as 1 million people from picking up the cigarette habit. That's fabulous news. And, with fewer smokers comes reduced healthcare expenditures. Possibly, over time, a reduction over $44 billion

So, after you ask yourself what that cigarette is really worth, take a good look in the mirror. Ask that person staring back at you the same question -- then go out for a walk. You'll save both your health and money with a few simple steps.

To read more about the study, see this from Reuters. To find resources to help you smoking, see this from smokefree.gov.