Skinner Defends Smokers, Launches Campaign to Oppose Major-Party Cigarette Tax Hikes

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Cal Skinner, the eight-term Illinois State Legislator and the Libertarian Party's nominee for the governor's race, has kicked off a campaign to kill two cigarette tax hikes proposed by Democrats and Republicans, respectively. The so-called "sin taxes," targeting what legislators see as unhealthy or improper behavior, are being proposed to cover a 2002 budget shortfall.

"When times are tough, businesses trim their budgets and tough it out," said Skinner. "That's a basic law of economics. Is the government above the law?

"And just because smoking is unpopular doesn't mean that people who smoke are fair game for death-by-taxation."

A Democratic proposal in the Illinois legislature would increase cigarette taxes by 129%, as shown on an informational card (pictured) now being circulated to smokers and pro-smoking establishments. A Republican proposal would raise those taxes by 38%. The Libertarian counter-proposal would leave cigarette taxes unchanged and would instead trim unnecessary or bloated programs from the state budget.

Skinner's anti-tax campaign is aimed at informing smokers of the major parties' tax increase proposals. Smokers' rights groups, cigarette sellers, and and cigarette makers are also being made aware of Skinner's effort.

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