Proposition 86 has some organizations, students, fuming

By Kirstie Hettinga
The Collegian

If a new cigarette tax ballot measure is passed next month, smoking will put a greater strain on your pocketbook.

If Proposition 86 is approved by California voters, it will impose an additional $2.60 tax on cigarettes, and also indirectly increase taxes on other tobacco products.

Kiren Rizvi, the Administrative and Program Coordinator for PICO California, said, “First and foremost is that Prop 86 will save lives.” PICO was a part of the sponsoring committee that helped write the initiative.

The proposition, which was put on the ballot by way of petition signatures, will provide for tobacco-related programs, children’s health coverage and funding for other health programs.

“It has great health benefits and is a comprehensive program with sustainable funding,” Rizvi said.

Those in favor of Proposition 86 believe the tax could keep 700,000 kids from becoming adult smokers, as well as prevent 300,000 deaths. The study, which was compiled by the California Department of Health Services, estimates that the proposition will save $16 million in health care costs.

Rizvi said the proposition would prevent 43 percent of youth from smoking in the first year alone. According to Rizvi, the funding “will also go to tobacco cessation programs and tobacco education control programs.”

John Capitman, the executive director of the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, said his organization does not take positions on propositions. However, in speaking for himself, Capitman said he thinks it is a good bill.

Capitman said there is good evidence that increasing the cost of cigarettes will decrease their use.

Capitman also said if the proposition passes he hopes some of the funding goes to smoking cessation.

“There are lots of smokers who need help quitting,” Capitman said.

If Proposition 86 fails, the state tax on tobacco products would remain at its current level of 87 cents per pack.

Opponents to the measure claim it is merely a way for hospitals and HMOs to make millions of dollars, and that there is no way to know how the money will really be spent.

The “No on 86” Web site included the Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association among those who oppose Proposition 86.

Dennis Kemper, the political action committee contact for the sheriffs’ association said their board

was provided with information and the board determined their stance. “We took a vote,” Kemper said.
Jim Beng of Cigar World in Fresno said his store opposes Proposition 86. He said the tax is unfair because it isolates one group of society. “Everybody has to have a fair share,” Beng said.

“They’re [smokers] already paying too much in taxes,” Beng said.

Elliott Montgomery, a Fresno State student who smokes, said if the proposition passes, he will have to cut back how much he smokes because of finances. He also said he is not clear as to where the proceeds of the tax will go.

“It’s getting closer and closer to an all-out prohibition,” Montgomery said.

“Maybe you should put taxes on fast food because it makes you fat,” Montgomery said. He also said quitting is an expensive process. “Nicotine patches are super expensive,” Montgomery said.

David Kassis contributed to this report.

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