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By
Associated Press
.
Published: Mon, June 16, 2008 - 6:29 am
Last Updated: Mon, June 16, 2008 - 6:31 am
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York's health commissioner says thestiff increase in his state's cigarette tax is having the desired
effect.
Dr. Richard Daines says the number of smokers calling a Smoker's
Quitline more than quadrupled during the first week of the hike. He
estimates about 140,000 New Yorkers will succeed in kicking the
habit.
New York State increased its cigarette tax $1.50 a pack to $2.75
beginning June 3rd. That's the highest level in the country. A pack
of smokes now ranges from $6 to $8 in the state, and up to $10 a
pack in New York City.
A spokeswoman for a pro-smokers group thinks it's wrong for what
she calls "coercive government" to pressure people who are using
a legal product.
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the people who smoke are just going else where to buy cigarettes. not far away they are cheaper. new york wages are higher its not that bad for them. i just do not understand why the government wants that blood money if cigarettes are so bad for you. its like saying its ok to kill yourself as long as you pay us to do it.