With the illegal paid family leave tax dead for this session, Democrats are desperate to raise taxes. The out-of-control socialist agenda simply cannot be funded otherwise.
Yesterday, Representative Yadira Caraveo and Senator Rhonda Fields introduced a massive cigarette tax hike. Earning HB19-1333 the Nanny State title for the second to last week of the legislative session.
The legislation increases taxes on cigarettes and nicotine vaping products and will require voter approval. Despite a clear majority of voters who already turned down a tax hike on cigarettes in 2016.
So why is the legislature focussing on tax hikes opposed by voters, when many more important issues remain on the table this session?
If this issue is not a priority for voters, it absolutely should not be a priority for overreaching lawmakers in the last two weeks of the legislative session.
Not only are Democrats attempting to hike taxes on nicotine products, but they are also reviving an effort in committee today to regulate tobacco and e-cigarette shops out of business.
Instead of infringing on the wishes of businesses and taxpayers, perhaps lawmakers should focus on important issues. Such as the foster care bill being swept under the table to pass this tax hike.
Not only should this not be a priority, but the 62% tax hike on vape products will negatively affect smokers attempting to quit by shifting to less toxic e-cigarettes.
Simply put, this is a $300 million tax grab for expensive socialist programs. Our tyrant rulers better find something better to focus on.
Go home early and leave us the hell alone. Use the taxes you have to do the state business. This is not California.