Statewide ban, higher tobacco taxes may cut smoking, study finds
By Baylie Davis
bdavis@wyomingnews.com
CHEYENNE -- Increasing taxes on tobacco and employing a statewide ban could reduce smoking and its effects in Wyoming.
That's according to a report by the University of Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. It was presented Thursday at a news conference here by the Wyoming Department of Health.
Making cigarettes more expensive and enacting bans on smoking in public places make people think twice about starting and encourages others to quit, Brent Sherard said.
He's the director of the state Department of Health and the state health officer.
The leading cause of preventable death in the world is tobacco, including both tobacco use and secondhand smoke, Sherard said.
According to the U.S. surgeon general, about 60 percent of non-smokers in the country show biological evidence of secondhand smoke exposure.
The UW report concluded: "enacting a cigarette excise tax increase and/or a statewide smoking law could improve the health and increase the life expectancy of Wyoming citizens by reducing the prevalence of the leading cause of preventable death."
And it's not just a health issue.
Based on figures from 2004, Wyoming could save over $1,500 in health-care costs for every smoker that quits.
Wyoming is surrounded by states that have enacted smoke-free laws in bars, restaurants or workplaces. The states with bans have lower smoking rates, the report shows.
There have been a lot of studies on the effects of smoking regulations on businesses, Sherard said. All the legitimate studies show no negative economic impact on bars or restaurants, he added.
"We need to work a lot harder on prevention," Sherard said. "This second-hand smoke issue really cuts to the core of prevention."
Also, the states with higher taxes on cigarettes have lower smoking rates.
A chart included in the report shows the correlation between cigarette prices and youth smoking prevalence in the U.S: As price increases, prevalence decreases.
For every 10 percent increase in price, the prevalence decreases by 3-5 percent, said Rodger McDaniel, deputy director of the Department of Health for mental and substance abuse services.
There has been a lot of debate on this issue, McDaniel added, much of which hasn't included the science behind it.
The goal of the report is to get objective, scientific information to legislators who are in a position to enact laws, he said.
In 20 or 30 years, Sherard said, "we'll be wondering why we didn't enact anti-smoking laws sooner."
"We're getting there, but we have a lot of work to do," he said.
Reader Comments
Jason Dixon wrote on Sep 30, 2008 10:10 AM:
" The last tax increase on cigarettes in Wyoming was a 500% increase! Now the "Department of Health" is pandering to the public for higher taxes again; and it STINKS LIKE GREED. In a time like this, how dare a Government employee pander for higher taxes? I'm appauled!
You'll take grocery money away from the children by increasing this tax. LOWER THE TAXES "
You'll take grocery money away from the children by increasing this tax. LOWER THE TAXES "
Sky Schuller wrote on Sep 29, 2008 1:36 PM:
" The economy is collapsing similar to that of the great depression and they have the nerve to lobby the media for higher taxes? A Government employee lobbying for higher taxes, I want to vomit, this employee should be charged criminally immediately by the State Attorney's Office. "
Devilman wrote on Sep 12, 2008 7:29 PM:
" "Your lifestyle impacts the affordability of my healthcare."
So does risky behavior such as Obesity, Doing Drugs, Driving Fast, Motocross, Skating, Mountain-climbing, football (sports injuries), Using firearms, hypocondria, and many others. You certainly can't expect that arguement to work.
"I think if they are bombarding our health care system, they should have to pay higher taxes to help offset their medical bills."
If this seriously were to happen, I think there would be a ACLU suit against the state. As stated before, other groups have risky lifestyles.
Still not one non-smoker has offered a equal solution to the problem. Just a lot of complaining, and dictating. "
So does risky behavior such as Obesity, Doing Drugs, Driving Fast, Motocross, Skating, Mountain-climbing, football (sports injuries), Using firearms, hypocondria, and many others. You certainly can't expect that arguement to work.
"I think if they are bombarding our health care system, they should have to pay higher taxes to help offset their medical bills."
If this seriously were to happen, I think there would be a ACLU suit against the state. As stated before, other groups have risky lifestyles.
Still not one non-smoker has offered a equal solution to the problem. Just a lot of complaining, and dictating. "
throw the first stone wrote on Sep 12, 2008 6:37 PM:
" I am sick of hearing people complain that smokers are responsible for health care costs. How many of you are over weight? What kind of drain are you putting on the health care system? I exercise every day and stay in shape because of it. Should we ban over weight people from eating more than 500 calories each meal so that they can lose weight and stop draining the system because of their weight/health issues? Or should we mandate exercise so that people are forced to stay in shape? None of us are perfect, I smoke and am quite alright with public smoking bans. What I choose to do is my business and I do not subject anyone else to second hand smoke so just give the whining a break. When we make overweight people illeagal then you have room to whine. "
LG wrote on Sep 12, 2008 9:27 AM:
" This was a national study. Stats are stats. Boo Hoo to the smokers. Addictions can be broken. The person who wrote in and said they work at the hospital, obviously never worked in a long term facility. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is not something a person can get to go away. Drinking has it hazards on the body, but to watch someone die of COPD is gut wrenching. In 2003 COPD was diagnosed in 24 million people. 1.5 million ER visits. COPD is the #4 reason for death. These are facts that can be looked up. GET REAL PEOPLE. I think if they are bombarding our health care system, they should have to pay higher taxes to help offset their medical bills. "
Hard Times wrote on Sep 12, 2008 8:21 AM:
" If you are suggesting that you have a right to die due to smoking related illness, check out my right. I have a right to have affordable healthcare for my family. Your lifestyle impacts the affordability of my healthcare. So if you have a nicotine addiction, and you think that your private health insurance or Medicare or Medicaid is your Sugar Daddy think again. Doctors need to address smoking related illness. That ear infection that your child has on a chronic basis is probabley smoke related. And yes the world needs to be cleaner, Clean air, water, and the ground results in a better healthier world. It is moral corrupatbility that affects smokers. In a previous age your behaviors would not be tolerated in public. Smoking was reserved for the back porch, the barn, the parlor. Now we know that you shouldn't smoke in your own home. So people lit up in their cars, public places and in front of entrances to public building. So if you don't like higher taxes on tobacco, move. I am tired of seeing my health premium go up every six months "
Addict wrote on Sep 12, 2008 12:37 AM:
" Make all substances legal and let the addicts fight it out.
May the best addict win. "
May the best addict win. "
get real wrote on Sep 11, 2008 10:50 PM:
" bans of any nature are for uptight controll freaks!! news for the city of cheyenne and laramie the rest of the state is not connected to colorado and any state wide ban will not even get out of commitee!! As for the favorite phrase that it doesnt impact business, just look at cheyenne, three bars have gone out of business or relocated to the county, two of them were the largest. we are all adults and can die going out to pick up the daily paper!! "
Smokin wrote on Sep 11, 2008 3:20 PM:
" I think smokers should be made to smell their breath, hair , clothes, house and car on a regular basis. If that doesnt make them stop, higher prices and taxing sure wont. They have no idea of the stinch. Imagine being in close intimate contact with a smoker. ewww, no thanks...gag "
smoking gun wrote on Sep 11, 2008 3:18 PM:
" People will always find a way to purchase their cigs. I know a person who buys them here and sends them to New Jersey, because they are half price here.You cant afford to go to a movie or to eat or to go on a vacation, but people will find a way to buy cigs, somethng they enjoy and can find easily. Heck, even underage kids find a way to get them, always have, always will.One in here even admitted to being able to buy them at DT"s without them asking for ID. They probably also buy booze there too. "
IF YOU ONLY KNEW wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:03 PM:
" THERE IS MORE MONIES SPENT EACH YEAR ON ALCHOL RELATED ILLNESSES THAT FROM SMOKING. I WORK AT THE HOSPITAL AND YOU DO NOT SEE THE SMOKERS COMING IN AFTER HAVING TOO MUCH TO SMOKE. YOU SEE THE DRUNKS AND THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ARE COSTING US. THEY CAN NOT KEEP A JOB SINCE THIER DRINKING GETS IN THE WAY THEREFORE THEY HAVE NO INSURANCE. WHO PAYS FOR THAT? WE DO PEOPLE. SO AS A NON SMOKER I FEEL THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO ISOLATE AN ISSUE HAVE ALL THE FACTS. THEY HAVE ALREADY CLEARED THE RESTURANTS IN THE CITY OF SMOKING SO FOR THOSE OF YOU SAYING THAT YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR KIDS AROUND THIS THEN QUITE SINCE THERE IS NOT A RESTURANT IN THE CITY LIMITS THAT ALLOWS THIS. WHEN ARE PEOPLE GOING TO SEE THAT NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE THE SMOKING ISSUE. TEENAGERS ARE GOING TO TRY IT AND IF THEY LIKE IT THEY WILL KEEP DOING IT. I THINK THE IGNORANCE OF PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY IS AMAZING. SORRY I MOVED HERE. WILL HAVE TO WORK ON THAT "
To Wow wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:07 AM:
" The tobacco companies have you right where they want you. And I'm glad there is a smoking ban. It's a lot like the speed limit, it helps save lives. The idea that "my choices are being taken away,,no fair!" makes me think of my preschool days. "
For Those Who Live In Fear wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:47 AM:
" Some people seem to live in fear of Big Brother. Well, when your husband is in the cardiac unit with a heart attack that killed heart muscle, and they asked if he smoked, what is your level of fear at that point? So I have a closet smoker who tried to manage his stress by smoking, or his energy levels, or he thought it was cool. Who suffers? him, his family. So smoking for 5 years and chewing for 45, plus binge drinking and stress ate up his heart at 55. As a society we need to stop adding political idealogy to the discussion. It's a discussion about public health. Yes the government can pass laws concerning public health. You have to buckle up in your car, put your children in car seats, you can't drink and drive these are public laws much like smoking bans. "
huh wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:03 AM:
" You people and your 'clean air'. Do you drive a car? Do heat your home? Do you use electricity? These three things alone put more pollutants into the air than my damn smokes. Get off your soap box people! "
PK wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:16 AM:
" Get a life, smokers. No one is telling you that you can't smoke. You just can't blow your poison in other people's faces.
Next time you feel the urge to light up in public, allow me to spray my can of Raid in your face or over your meal.
Second hand smoke kills. Deal with it. "
Next time you feel the urge to light up in public, allow me to spray my can of Raid in your face or over your meal.
Second hand smoke kills. Deal with it. "
Resa wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:10 PM:
" I wonder how many tobacco lobbyists just sit around all day typing ignorant posts on anything that even mentions the words "smoking ban". The data is out, and it is clear. Secondhand smoke kills. Deal with it. "
Prohibition mean Bootlegging wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:45 PM:
" Ok...ya think this will work? Come on be reasonable. I do not use tobacco in any form, but think this is silly. Does anyoen really think this will work. It didn't work in the 20th century with booze, it only made bootleggers, runners,and the gangsters like Al Capone. Raising prices, taxes and banning is not the solution. NO matter what bans or taxes are in place, like prohibition of the past, if people want it, they will get it. People know it is bad, we have educational and awreness programs in place. Why not stop it where you can the sael to minors and minors smoking in schools, on the street, at the mall, frontier days, parks etc. get their attention that way. Bans and taxes just won't work we will waste more valuable time that could be spent on important legislation rather than a costly one that has failed before it starts. Trust the citizens to make some decisionson their own, the government does not always know best. "
NRC wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:24 PM:
" I didn't read the story because I didn't want to. But has anyone notice that the people that live to be over 100 yrs old, all smoke and drink. And no matter what the price is, people will pay for it. I use to work at Flying J's, not here, in 2001 and people coming from New York was paying about 50 dollars. This just wasn't from one person. "
society says wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:28 PM:
" Great if you ban smoking the fat smoking rednecks in town will go on an eating binge and get so big even a 40' wide sidewalk won't be big enough.
(livin here is a hoot!) "
(livin here is a hoot!) "
dibro wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:33 PM:
" WE ARE LOSING PERSONAL FREEDOM BY THE BUCKET FULLS!
JUST WAIT FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE
MCDONALDS CHEESE BURGERS WILL BE OUT LAWED DON'T LAUGH THIS WILL HAPPEN SOON "
JUST WAIT FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE
MCDONALDS CHEESE BURGERS WILL BE OUT LAWED DON'T LAUGH THIS WILL HAPPEN SOON "
To Cajun wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:17 AM:
" Your upbringing is showing. It's Martial Law, not Marshall Law. And what about my right to clean air? You have no more rights or protections under the Constitution's Bill of Rights than I do. "
wyoredneck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:29 PM:
" so uh yeah what are we gonna do about the refinery?? we have to pay ridiculous price on gas and have to smell that stinky thing?? if i cant smoke in public and have to pay over 3 dollars a gallon fer gas and have to breath the fumes from that thing i think ill just smoke cause guess what?? GAS CAUSES CANCER AND HEALTH PROBLEMS TO!!! what a concept "
wyoredneck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:21 PM:
" now ok to all yall tobacco haters i smoke i like to smoke i smoke marlboros but heres my question i smoke 3-4 ciggerettes a day if not less so does that mean im impactin america no it dont because i dont smoke much so why dont yall realize that use smokers aint all bad and we do smoke in moderation and if i wanna go to a bar and smoke i can why do you think the outlaw stays in business?? cause people can smoke there and drink and guess what theres always a taxi waiting so whats the problem if i ever open a business ill let everybody smoke cause that 750 dollar fine is good fer 30 days and within that 30 days guess what ya can smoke cause they cant write ya another ticket for 30 daYs so yeah thats the way i feel "
Taxes... wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:03 PM:
" If they increase taxes and ban smoking, more people will stop. What is that going to do to our tax revenue? Then, if everyone quits, what are we going to do without the money from Big Tobacco? Yes, it is unhealthy but smokers also actually save money on the healthcare system because we die sooner - even if we have cancer and get that treated it is still more cost effective (New England Journal of Medicine). So, with all this talk we need to figure out if having everyone quit is really in our best interest financially as I'm sure we will all end up paying higher taxes for one thing or another (property, gas, etc.)to make up the difference for the lost money from increased health care, lost tobacco tax and less money from Big Tobacco. Think about your pocketbook!! "
Cajun wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:30 AM:
" Why must we as Americans conform or bow down to the desires of the few in a nation that was formed by the many to secure Freedom from those that neither needed nor wanted the masses to have a Freedom of Choice. Have we as a nation reverted back to 1776 and start to fight a goverment (Ours) over the individual rights of choice. We all know that polls and surveys are and can be manipulated by not only Health Experts? but by civic leaders , law enforcement, social workers and lobbyist.
I am in agreement with some who have written that bans just won't and shouldn't stop at just cigarettes. No matter how many bans are created by whomever for whatever reason or justification, the deterent will never conquor the desires or curiousity of an individual whatever age and using the power of a goverment inity to curb choices that should be made by voters is no better than Communism or Extremism. Whats next, Marshall Law? "
I am in agreement with some who have written that bans just won't and shouldn't stop at just cigarettes. No matter how many bans are created by whomever for whatever reason or justification, the deterent will never conquor the desires or curiousity of an individual whatever age and using the power of a goverment inity to curb choices that should be made by voters is no better than Communism or Extremism. Whats next, Marshall Law? "
Young Person that Knows wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:59 AM:
" To Micheal C, I have to point out that we do NOT live in a democratic state. Go back to school and when you get the right answer come back and talk to me.
P.S. It's called a REPUBLIC, not a DEMOCRACY (recite the pledge of allegiance if you don't believe me). "
P.S. It's called a REPUBLIC, not a DEMOCRACY (recite the pledge of allegiance if you don't believe me). "
Cigarettes Kill wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:43 AM:
" Support the state wide smoking. Wyoming should not make money off the sale of cigarettes. The problem with the substance is that you can't just smoke one cigarette and let the habit go. It's is controlled by the Tobacco Companies that blend the mixture to cause permanent addiction. It takes as little as 5 ciagarettes smoked by a teenager to be addicted. In my high school, no one smoked. Period. I went to a private school, but we had the moral instruction to want something better for ourselves and to respect our health rather than to want to smoke. Smoking kills. So analyis why smokes want to kill themselves and especially their children. The cigarettes you smoke transfers to your clothes, clothes you wear in your car and your house. So I know life is stressful. Try some push ups. Go to the community recreation center. Oh, I forgot there is no community recreation center in Cheyenne. I bet the smokers in the county didn't want there tax monies to fund a way to have healthy families. "
Skipper wrote on Sep 7, 2008 12:16 PM:
" To Tek: who wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:08 PM:
Go float a boat some where out in the ocean and leave us sane people alone. Your mouth has washed ashore for way to long! "
Go float a boat some where out in the ocean and leave us sane people alone. Your mouth has washed ashore for way to long! "
HEY wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:34 PM:
" Leave it up to the people. Put it to the test with a referendum vote let the good people of Wyoming decide and most of you will see that ciggarettes are on their way out. Let's pass a law to ban them all together. "
Private wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:56 PM:
" It seems to me any business open to the public is a public place. When I hear private, I think of membership dues and not open to the public.
Restaurants on Dell Range seem to be thriving. The savvy business people are smart to realize the importance of taking care of all of their customers. "
Restaurants on Dell Range seem to be thriving. The savvy business people are smart to realize the importance of taking care of all of their customers. "
Pete wrote on Sep 6, 2008 5:08 PM:
" As someone already posted, they are not banning smoking. Only restricting it to areas where it will not harm others. 80% of adults and all children are non-smokers. They should not be exposed to the health problems associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. These dangers include an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, severe respiratory problems and even cancer. Obviously there are very good reasons to ban smoking from areas where it can do so much harm. "
yeah wrote on Sep 6, 2008 2:49 PM:
" You must love smelling like a brewery? that is a lovely smell to someone who does not drink, I think they should ban bars and alcohol as well, don't you? "
Yeah wrote on Sep 6, 2008 2:46 PM:
" to just say no. why don't you move to cuba or some other communist country if you like the government telling you what you can and can't do so much? personally, I like to make my own choices. I am a smoker but I don't smoke in front of anyone who does not like it, I smoke in my home, my car and out in my yard, is that bothering you so much? overweight people cost the health care system probably more than smokers, what about all the illegitimate kids being born? I have to pay for them and get no pleasure from them, or from creating them, but I guess that is ok with you? I am sure glad you are not running for president, or mayor or governor, we would be in a sad state of affairs with a commie like you running things. "
Michel C wrote on Sep 6, 2008 2:44 PM:
" It is almost as entertaining to read the ignorant posts of the people as it is to read the article! I especially love the ones that talk about the government taking away rights and becoming communistic. PEOPLE, we live in a democratic state. This means we elect people to make the laws for us. If there is a law you don't like, run for office and get it changed. The problem that you will find is that the MAJORITY of the people like the smoking ban. You know how I know this? The MAJORITY of the voters elected people that support the ban. We are in a "majority rules" society and that is a fact. The people of the great city of Cheyenne had their say and they said yes to the ban when they elected those that support it. If you are worried about the State Wide ban, I urge you to find out which individuals running for office this November support the ban and DON'T VOTE FOR THEM. As for me, I will vote for them. I love the ban! THAT is democracy in action! "
ajl wrote on Sep 6, 2008 12:06 PM:
" Shane Scheid,
The Lochner era called. It wants its discredited economic theories back. "
The Lochner era called. It wants its discredited economic theories back. "
Yeah wrote on Sep 6, 2008 11:42 AM:
" what a wonderful idea and while we are at it let's go all the way and get things done right. Lets ban all overweight people from eating in public, or at least make them sit in a private area, no kids allowed in eateries or stores, can't stand the bawling, no old people, they are too slow, get in my way, no teenagers allowed in public at all, they don't know how to dress or act, then maybe it would be fit to go out and enjoy myself, what do you think? "
Geez moms wrote on Sep 6, 2008 10:15 AM:
" If you put a skull and cross bones on the front of a pack of cigarettes smokers would still smoke. Fatties would still buy quarts of ice cream and cookies and drunks would still troll the liquor store way past 'happy hour' people are weak and taxing them to death won't really change that. Should we get scales installed at the grocery store so we don't have to spend as much money on obesity related health costs? How about breathalyzers installed in everyones car, if you don't pass you don't drive. I personally think it should be harder to have a child than to adopt an animal but it's not. Yes it stinks and smokers shouldn't smoke blah blah they know people really they do, and smokers the rest of us don't want it blown at us or to have to pick up your butts from our yards after they are thrown from your windows, get an ashtray. Now play nice the smokers are smoking extra from the stress of this whole thing, that's all this kind of thing does, I know I used to be one. "
Ernest Smedley wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:47 AM:
" This is precisely why I vote Republican every election. Stupid Libs keep trying to California-ize Wyoming. "
REVOLUTION IS EMINENT wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:47 AM:
" to "excuse me"
All you Right wing soo called conservatives are the true CANCER of the U.S. A smoker has never killed anyone because he was under the influence of tobacco! Studies prove that to be affected by second hand smoke, you need to be subjected to it non stop on a daily basis!Correction: A restaurant, night club or bar are a PRIVATE BUSINESS, hence, I RESERVE THE RIGHT! A public establishment is a courthouse, school, etc. Who are you or the government to tell me, a private business owner, that I cannot allow my paying clientelle to smoke in MY business! This bill will do nothing except open the doors to more BS laws! IMPERIALISM is a disease which must be cured! Viva La Revolucion!!! "
All you Right wing soo called conservatives are the true CANCER of the U.S. A smoker has never killed anyone because he was under the influence of tobacco! Studies prove that to be affected by second hand smoke, you need to be subjected to it non stop on a daily basis!Correction: A restaurant, night club or bar are a PRIVATE BUSINESS, hence, I RESERVE THE RIGHT! A public establishment is a courthouse, school, etc. Who are you or the government to tell me, a private business owner, that I cannot allow my paying clientelle to smoke in MY business! This bill will do nothing except open the doors to more BS laws! IMPERIALISM is a disease which must be cured! Viva La Revolucion!!! "
grouchy wrote on Sep 6, 2008 6:42 AM:
" I am sure tired of being told what I can and can't do. I will just buy my ciggies over the internet and not pay any taxes at all. My ciggie tax pays for schools for all the kids of mothers who are not married, why don't we ban that? how about all the FAT people, how much do they cost the health care system? lets ban all fast food, plus they make me sick looking at them, and of course, lets get rid of all alcohol. You people just want to control all aspects of our lives, you probably can't even control your own sick life, why don't you try losing some weight and get a life of your own and leave mine alone. "
Father Mark wrote on Sep 6, 2008 5:44 AM:
" One thing to stop this problem is to raise the smoking age to the same as the drinking age in a phased in process over three years. "
Jack Handy wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:55 PM:
" Labotomizing teens will curb teen pregnancy too. Same logic. "
Stupid Earthlings wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:59 PM:
" If it is that bad for the body and environment, why not erradicate it from planet earth entirely? "
Excuse me wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:45 PM:
" They are not banning smoking. They are banning it in PUBLIC PLACES. Thank goodness. Why don't smokers get together and direct their anger at tobacco companies? They have you hooked and you are letting them!!! And paying them!! "
Bill wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:22 PM:
" To Ron and NO
If the price of the commodity increases enough the use will slow down and stop. The threat that higher prices will lead to more crime, enforce the laws on theft and see how the thieves like free rent WITH NO TOBACCO. Lots of luck with passing the needed laws and then enforcing them as the majority of the officers and judges use tobacco. That's the only reason there aren't laws on the books for tobacco and alcohol in vehicles. We need new law makers that can be objective to the health and welfare of the people instead of protecting themselves. "
If the price of the commodity increases enough the use will slow down and stop. The threat that higher prices will lead to more crime, enforce the laws on theft and see how the thieves like free rent WITH NO TOBACCO. Lots of luck with passing the needed laws and then enforcing them as the majority of the officers and judges use tobacco. That's the only reason there aren't laws on the books for tobacco and alcohol in vehicles. We need new law makers that can be objective to the health and welfare of the people instead of protecting themselves. "
smokes more wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:02 PM:
" Every time someone says "stop" I smoke more. How dare the govenment tell me how much and or when I can smoke ? Give this is try, we have laws to protect our RIGHTS before the state and tell us what to do. Raise the cost, I'll go without FOOD before I'll go without my smokes. Pick on someone else, like DRUNKS in bars. "
shane scheid wrote on Sep 5, 2008 5:31 PM:
" Correction-
The leading cause of avoidable death in history is GOVERNMENT ACTIONS, ie, wars, dcepressions, prohibitions, etc. This is an irrefutable fact of history.
Correction-
Smoking has been banned in public buildings for years. When was the last time you saw someone light up in the courthouse, or public library? Restaurants, bars, and "workplaces" are not public places. They are private property that is open to the public at the discretion of the owner. John Q Public has no more claim to these places than he does to John Q Owner's home.
Correction-
If the state of Wyoming, and the rest of the country, would drop their ADDICTION to quasi-socialist medical arrangements and the Quixotic quest for "healthcare", we could save a lot more than a measley couple thousand dollars.
Mr. Sherard has obviously been cherry picking his evidence. There are plenty of studies contradicting his zero economic impact claim. There are MOUNTAINS of data contradicting the second hand smoke myth. I have my own crude mathematical analysis if anyone is interested. "
The leading cause of avoidable death in history is GOVERNMENT ACTIONS, ie, wars, dcepressions, prohibitions, etc. This is an irrefutable fact of history.
Correction-
Smoking has been banned in public buildings for years. When was the last time you saw someone light up in the courthouse, or public library? Restaurants, bars, and "workplaces" are not public places. They are private property that is open to the public at the discretion of the owner. John Q Public has no more claim to these places than he does to John Q Owner's home.
Correction-
If the state of Wyoming, and the rest of the country, would drop their ADDICTION to quasi-socialist medical arrangements and the Quixotic quest for "healthcare", we could save a lot more than a measley couple thousand dollars.
Mr. Sherard has obviously been cherry picking his evidence. There are plenty of studies contradicting his zero economic impact claim. There are MOUNTAINS of data contradicting the second hand smoke myth. I have my own crude mathematical analysis if anyone is interested. "
Just Say No wrote on Sep 5, 2008 3:30 PM:
" Individuals who are addicted to cigarettees and other forms of nicotine, Need TO JUST SAY NO. There are other substances to give you the high you want without tobacco. It is a crime that you are impacting the cost of health care in this county. You are being driven to higher and higher levels of addiction by the Tobacco Companies adding the poision in the cigarettes. And you want to affect my right to not have second hand smoke. You are crazy. Pass the law. Treat the addicts in this county. Look toward things to replace cigarettees. There are tons of other things in the supplement area to help. Doctors need to get serious to stop the addiction of so many people. A statewide smoking ban is the only way to get ahead of the problem. "
Pact wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:36 PM:
" This is Wyoming!, not New York, or Europe!. Use your brains folks all this will do is have folks cut back in other things, and its usually their kids that will do without. Or you just pick them up in Colorado when you down there. Only those who want to quit will no matter how much you raise taxes. All raising taxes does is lets the govt extort money from average folks, and get away with it. This is just a plan to get money out of folks. "
Tek wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:08 PM:
" I like to go out for a drink without ending up smelling like stale cigarette smoke. I'm all for a statewide -- even nationwide ban. "
Kidding wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:00 PM:
" All increased taxes will do is make people forego paying other bills so they can buy cigarettes. Does anyone remember that smoking is an addiction? What if they don't want help and would like to continue smoking? Besides, Ron is right... how much control are we willing to have taken away by government? Smoking doesn't kill people, it's the money hungry righteous non smokers! "
drunken wrote on Sep 5, 2008 1:44 PM:
" And we should allow drunk driving because it is our right to be able to drink. So what if we happen to cross over into the oncoming traffic. Those non-drunks have no right to be free from the second-hand consequences of being drunk. Repeal the DUI laws for it we can pollute all around with our smoke we can spread our drunken mayhem as well. "
Pete wrote on Sep 5, 2008 1:15 PM:
" Nobody is talking about a total ban on smoking. Anyone who's been anywhere outside of Wyoming will realize that the bans are generally indoor public place bans. Considering how damaging secondhand smoke is to the majority who don't smoke, they make all the sense in the world. It's unfortunate that our state legislature has been a little slow to act on the issue. Hopefully they'll take some action in the next year. "
Grizzeled Old Man wrote on Sep 5, 2008 12:56 PM:
" If Warlock Spiker and his Tinkerbell council think they can tell me what to do, they have another thing coming. I've been sucking down Marlboro reds with the filters torn off for at least 84 years now, and I've never paid taxes on them. I refuse to! Don't ask me how, but I strategically avoid it. And I'm healthier than a horse. I'm a pillar of fitness and could drop anyone who says otherwise like a bag of dirt! I'm also sick of the government telling my family to make me wheel myself outside to smoke! They even make me take off my oxygen tank! All this garbage is pure gobblty gook! Back in my day, our parents gave us cigarettes, which is the way it should be. This world is upside down I tell you! If Lunchbox Spiker knew what he was doing, he would have installed a rec center. That would have stopped kids from smoking, not smoking is bad for you! "
Wow wrote on Sep 5, 2008 11:01 AM:
" It doens't matter how much you raise the taxes, I am addicted and I will pay what ever I have to to have my smokes!!!!!!!! "
JO wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:40 AM:
" I don't smoke, but I do believe this is a very dumb idea . I think this County totally forgot that prohibition made drinking more exciting therefore more people began drinking.
This is exactly what will happen if the Government taxes tobacco so it is no longer affordable. It might reduce the amount of users for a short amount of time but only until an alternative market is established. Maybe a few more organized crime groups could be formed. "
This is exactly what will happen if the Government taxes tobacco so it is no longer affordable. It might reduce the amount of users for a short amount of time but only until an alternative market is established. Maybe a few more organized crime groups could be formed. "
yes wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:36 AM:
" as a smoker who has tried to quit multiple times - THANK YOU!! Raise those taxes! I believe that the tax will help keep me healthy. I'm SMOKE FREE now and the higher prices will only help me at becoming healthier! "
Revolution is Eminent wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:56 AM:
" When will citizens of this country realize that we are very quickly becomming a DICTATORSHIP! I am not a smoker, however, I am appauled that we are allowing the state to govern what we do in our private lives! The last time I looked, U.S. citizens are supposed to be FREE! BOOOOOO on legislatures and politicians! Viva La Revolucion! "
Mike wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:45 AM:
" If a State Wide were to take effect then I'd say that we are a Communist Country and our Capitol is full of Marxist. We already have a City Council and County Commission that is full of Hitler type Dictators who have and will fashion our Codes to fit their own personal agendas and serve those with special interest. Doesn't anyone in the County,City and State realise that these law makers are on a run to see that everyone drives the same automobile, live in the same type of home and neiborhood have the same type of morals and convictions etc...listen up, I am not a clone or a conformist and there is not one person that sit's on the Cheyenne City Council , County Commission or in the Capitol that I respect. I know for a fact that there are those of you on each that have lied , manipulated an have defrauded each enity and that of our residents that are not in the top 3%. We should change our state flag to a Sickel and Hammer, fore Communism is alive and well in Wyoming. "
BUD wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:14 AM:
" It's about time Wyoming catches up with the rest of the country. Smoking cost money as well as lives. Maybe this will get the legislature off their butts. "
wyorebel wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:03 AM:
" Sick and tired of second hand smoke. I would like to see a statewide ban on smoking.The ban in Cheyenne has greatly reduced second hand smoke. It has been so very nice to go out and eat with no smoking. "
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No Tourists wrote on Sep 30, 2008 10:24 AM: