Virginians Outraged at Pending Cigarette Tax
RICHMOND, Va. -- In a little more than a week, the cigarette tax in Virginia will rise from 2 and a half cents to 20 cents per pack. The law goes into effect Sept. 1. Local convenience stores have already started posting signs warning customers of the increase, reported WRIC-TV in Richmond.
Some smokers are fuming about the new tax. "I think it's a crime. It's gonna kill the economy for tobacco farmers and I think it's discrimination against smokers," said one smoker.
"I don't think that's right. There's other things they can do besides the cigarette tax," said another.
Even with the new increase, Virginia will still be well below the median cigarette tax of 60 cents. New Jersey has the highest tax per pack at $2.05.
Some smokers are fuming about the new tax. "I think it's a crime. It's gonna kill the economy for tobacco farmers and I think it's discrimination against smokers," said one smoker.
"I don't think that's right. There's other things they can do besides the cigarette tax," said another.
Even with the new increase, Virginia will still be well below the median cigarette tax of 60 cents. New Jersey has the highest tax per pack at $2.05.