Bert Brown, a consumer advocate who is very active with the Kansas Vapers Association, forwarded us his comments in response to a very large 20 cents per ml tax on vapor products that has been proposed in the Kansas Legislature. This tax was introduced and passed through the Senate with no opportunity for public comment, so as expected, the situation in Kansas is messy. If you live in Kansas, be sure to take action against this new tax. Bert Brown’s statement follows:
It is complete nonsense for legislators to facilitate a Big Tobacco scheme to crush competition. Reynolds American is duping legislators into doing their dirty work. The Reynolds plan puts an unjustified new tax on e-cigarettes and was sneaked into the budget bill. Under Reynolds’ plan consumers will pay $6 tax on a bottle of refill liquid that can retail for as low as $10. That’s a 60% tax!
The problem is few purchase e-cigs in Kansas. To receive any measurable revenue the government has to charge an enormous tax that assures destruction of small businesses. Why not tax a small percentage on sugary sodas that make kids fat and adults diabetic? A teensy tax is barely noticeable and produces big revenue because of the widespread popularity of this beverage, plus it wouldn’t drive consumers across state lines, but what legislator wants to upset every coke-slurping Kansan by voting for a soda tax?
Please, Kansas legislators, when the Joe Camel crew comes around asking you to pass this tax, because they are very concerned for the health of Kansans (*cough*), please take a deep breath and do some real contemplation.
