Higher cigarette taxes won't deter those already hooked, smokers say

DYER | Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels may raise revenue and perhaps deter would-be smokers, but those who already have the habit aren't likely to quit because of an increase on the cigarette tax, smokers said Wednesday night.

In his State of the State address Wednesday, Daniels said the most effective way to deter young smokers is at the cash register. Daniels is asking the General Assembly to raise the state cigarette tax by a minimum of 25 cents per pack.

The last time the state raised the cigarette tax was 2002 from 15.5 cents to 55.5 cents.

If the 25 cent increase is implemented Indiana would still have the lowest cigarette tax among the states it borders with the exception of Kentucky, where the tax is 30 cents per pack. The tax increase would generate about $120 million for the state and the governor's administration has said it would be used solely for reducing smoking.

Joe Joe Krutul, of Lynwood, was at the Dyer Smoke Shop at U.S. 30 and Hart Street in Dyer. He said even with the tax increase, prices would still be lower in Indiana than the $4.85 he pays for a pack of cigarettes in Cook County.

Krutul said the proposed Indiana increase is OK with him -- to a point. "When it gets over $5 a pack, I'll quit," he said.

Krutul said the governor may be right about getting the kids to stop smoking, but he doubts the money will be used solely for anti-tobacco programs.

Cook County Sheriff's Police Officer Frank Varnagis visited the Dyer tobacco store Wednesday to stock up on mini-cigars.

"No, it won't stop me. It's still cheaper than Illinois," Varnagis said of the proposed tax increase.

Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, gave the governor a one-man standing ovation when Daniels noted the state is one of the least healthy in the country.

"We weigh, drink and smoke too much and exercise too little," Daniels said.

Brown has championed health issues in recent years, especially childhood obesity.

"No single step we could take would matter more than reducing the percentage of Hoosiers, particularly young Hoosiers, who smoke cigarettes," Daniels continued.

Smoke Shop customers said if the money raised through the tax increase is used exclusively for anti-smoking programs, it would be a good idea -- but some were skeptical that would happen.

Jeff Brandau, of Lynwood, said he wasn't too keen on the proposal in a less eloquent way.

"I come over from Illinois to save money. I can't afford to smoke in Illinois," Brandau added.

-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.