Group opposes increase in tobacco taxes
Posted: Wednesday, August 02, 2006
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Americans for Prosperity launched a campaign Tuesday to defeat a November ballot measure that would increase tobacco taxes in South Dakota and add $40 million to the state's general fund.
Director Duane Sand said the group will spend at least $60,000 to $80,000 and won't refuse campaign donations from tobacco companies.
Sand said their battle is solely about fiscal implications of a tax increase.
"As an honest broker of the issues, a watchdog group for the citizens of South Dakota, that's what I'm pledging is to fight bad fiscal policy," he said. "We're not going to comment on the social value of smoking or using tobacco -- that's not our objective. We want to make sure the fiscal policy of South Dakota benefits South Dakotans."
If approved by voters in November, the tobacco measure would increase the tax on cigarettes by $1 a pack and boost the 10 percent tax on other tobacco products to 35 percent.
Director Duane Sand said the group will spend at least $60,000 to $80,000 and won't refuse campaign donations from tobacco companies.
Sand said their battle is solely about fiscal implications of a tax increase.
"As an honest broker of the issues, a watchdog group for the citizens of South Dakota, that's what I'm pledging is to fight bad fiscal policy," he said. "We're not going to comment on the social value of smoking or using tobacco -- that's not our objective. We want to make sure the fiscal policy of South Dakota benefits South Dakotans."
If approved by voters in November, the tobacco measure would increase the tax on cigarettes by $1 a pack and boost the 10 percent tax on other tobacco products to 35 percent.
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