Ahhh ... California. Home of the Beach Boys, Napa Valley, and, just recently, IOUs. Indeed, the Golden State is in dire financial straits, and looking for any way out. One suggestion? Tax the smokers. A recent poll of state voters shows 70% in favor of a $1.50-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax. Breaking down the numbers across party lines, 78% of Democrats, 75% of independents, and 65% of Republicans approve of such a measure. But Republican leadership remains opposed to the idea. A spokeswoman told reporters "Tax increases aren't the answer. Neither is tying programs with increasing costs to a tax source that is declining."
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