Vicky wrote on Oct 15, 2007 10:11 AM:
" Huebsch seems more concerned about pleasing his buddies in SE Wisconsin. Arent't we the ones who elected him in western Wisconsin? I don't think he is listening to his constituents in this area. "
The Moderate wrote on Oct 15, 2007 5:14 AM:
" Hey Big Spender - "For once, here's a tax I like - LOL. The only taxes you don't like are those that you have to pay. As long as it is someone else footing the bill, you are in agreement. Most people call that being a "cheap *^$hole" "
BoBo wrote on Oct 14, 2007 8:43 PM:
" Hey green bay, they're banking on the chance that all you losers can't/won't stop. Get used to paying through the nose to poison the rest of us. "
green bay wrote on Oct 14, 2007 8:48 AM:
" Hay big mouth--who's going to pay the tax when we all stop. "
Big Spender wrote on Oct 14, 2007 1:57 AM:
" For once, here's a tax I like: let smokers and the tobacco drug pushers pay some of the costs now dumped on us non-smokers through higher taxes, hospital costs and health insurance premiums. Smoking affects unborn infants, is responsible for millions of cancer and heart disease cases, and second-hand smoke makes life hard for asthma sufferers. If the tax dissuades even a few percent of Wisconsin's substance-illiterate teen population from starting this stupid habit, it will be a success. "
Mack wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:52 PM:
" Speaking of smoking in your own home; should you have the right if there are minor children in the house? "
reality wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:35 PM:
" HonestAbe; You must be clinically insane. Tobacco has arsenic, formeldahyde, ammonia, cyanide, and other nasty things in it. Everyone has right to smoke, but voters have a right to not have an elected official that recieves bribes from big tobacco companies. Huebsch takes money from big tobacco and distributors, and this is the only reason why he doesn't want the tax increase. The worst thing that could happen with a tax increase is that people who smoke 2 packs a day will be fiscally forced to smoke 1 or less. This would lead to saving billions in taxes down the road from the medical expenses of treating habitual smokers. Huebsch is a fraud and doesn't represent the interests of the Coulee Region. "
HonestAbe wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:24 PM:
" I smoke ... deal with it. Why should I pay more than someone that drinks too much soda and has similar health problems (as far as cost). This is nothing more than a bunch of whiners getting their way and trying to make people quit smoking, well, until I CHOOSE to, or it becomes illegal, I will. Deal with it. If you're so sensitive a little smoke bugs ya, better not go outside because there is a lot of nasty stuff in the air. Diesel engines, such as busses, semis, construction equipment, etc etc etc belch out enough smoke in one shift than I do in a year. Get over it, it's just easier to point at those gosh darn icky smokers aint it? tough! MAKE YOUR OWN CIGS SMOKERS - NO TAX INCREASE. "
Reality wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:33 PM:
" You are off base and changing the subject of this discussion to benefit Huebsch. Huebsch supports smoking, and supports big tobacco because they give him money. Signifigantly taxing cigarettes will PROTECT our children because they won't be able to afford smokes, and it would help offset the expenses smoking incurs on our state's healthcare system. Smoking is bad, and so is Huebsch for representing big tobacco's lobbyists. Period. "
Terminus wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:29 PM:
" Keep the heat on Rep. Huebsch and you are correct in stating there is a serious tax revolt in Southeast WI. "
tax-me-more wrote on Oct 13, 2007 4:42 PM:
" Again, the Republicans assembly, lead by Huebsch did vote and approve a budget. The Republican budget INCREASED SPENDING ON EDUCATION. Further, the Republicans agreed to to increase spending on education to what Governor Doyle suggested. Doyle and the Democrats are the ones holding this up, not Huebsch. "
wizard wrote on Oct 13, 2007 4:13 PM:
" Get this pinhead out of office,look how is holding up are state budget. Everyone is suffering in this state due to this indecisive moron. Sounds like he got a big payout from the tabacco industry.Start fining him personally for every day our budget sits or throw him in jail! "
The Real Paladin wrote on Oct 13, 2007 4:09 PM:
" If we could tax stupidity you people posting alone would be enough to fund the State budget. "
Sully wrote on Oct 13, 2007 3:25 PM:
" If it's so bad make it illegal to buy, sell or smoke. "
Reality wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:30 PM:
" What a fool Huebsch is: At first he tried to use his title and deadlock tactics to gain more power in the state, now he will be LUCKY to get re-elected due to his selfish actions. Who in their right mind doesn't want an increase in the cigarette tax? Even most smoker are for it, if it means their kids can't afford a pack. Huebsch accepts way too much money from lobbyists, and this support he is giving them might break the back of his political career. Huebsch stated that: '...tax revolt is going on...in the southeast part of the state.' Last time I checked, Mike Huebsch, your constituents were in SOUTHWEST Wisconsin- why not represent their viewpoints? "
The Shining wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:01 PM:
" I say tax cigarettes about $10.00 per pack. Then people couldn't afford them. They'd be forced to quit or go bankrupt trying to buy them. "
heavy hitter wrote on Oct 13, 2007 1:06 PM:
" thank god. i say lower the price of cigarettes so all these morons can hurry up and smoke themselves to death. it's called natural selection. if you're stupid enough to smoke you should be ready to die. "
ToeJam wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:07 AM:
" Tobacco is a drug just like pot that needs to be banned. "
wildview wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:52 AM:
" taxes are a sore spot, lets look at taxing everyone equal, EVEN THE ILEGAL ONES from the south of the boarder "
Tax Justice wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:48 AM:
" Health care is rapidly becoming the largest single expenditure for families. Larger than rent, larger than food, etc. Cigarette's smokers cost the taxpayers billions in hospital charges not only due to cancer, but due to their inability to recover. The lack of oxygen to your organs and your brain should be reason enough for a tax increase. It will reduce taxes for all tax filers, even those who insist and choose to smoke. "
kbg23 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:44 AM:
" RE: Mack You are right. We do accommodate them. And then we have listen to them whine when they can't blow smoke our faces any longer in public places. Or make our clothes stink. They act like it is there god given right to poison those around them. Oh yes, and then they have to bring up drinking in public. Like me drinking a beer next to you physically harms you (not talking about driving). Big picture - smoking harms people who choose NOT to do it and that is not fair. So smoke at home and in your car - not outside the grocery store where I have to smell the junk! TAX IT! "
titan wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:07 AM:
" in response to tax-me-more, this would help the median income family a lot. the new cigarette tax would only affect those who smoke instead of an income tax which would affect everyone. the hospital tax is more confusing and poorly explained all around. the main thing this comes down to is that if huebsch doesn't back off and compromise on the deal education will once again get the shaft because they will have to go with the same amount of money as last year which is not near enough. the democrats have the senate and governor...they are not going to sign off on a bill they don't agree with. i think heubsch is only concerned with his political gains. he isn't even trying to pass a budget and he just wants to make doyle look bad. "
Richard Cranium wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:59 AM:
" To Mack: A well thought out post. You should be posting more often! "
nana3 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:45 AM:
" If the budget needs a huge hike, why not tax something more popular than cigatettes? Tax beer, whiskey, brandy, gin, etc....? Then you wouldn't have to charge the sick either. Since Wisconsin is close to the highest in the nation for consuming alcohol, it would make more sense to tax alcohol!!! How much is a 12 pack of beer these days? $8-10? Add a $6 per 12 pack and your budget will be solved, after all the tax on a pack of cigarettes is already about 70%. "
North Sider wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:44 AM:
" These Dems are not used to hearing the word NO. Of course they would flit around seemingly almost directionless. I thought Doyle's 10% surcharge to small employers for health coverages was well thought out, NOT!!!!! One segment at a time. Building those types of vehicles to rake in tax monies is impossible to end up fair and equitable. "
tax-me-more wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:43 AM:
" Now there is a bunch of you on here supporting HIGHER TAXES? I haven't seen one post or article that explained how HIGHER TAXES would help the median income family. Wisconsin already collects over $6,600 dollars for EVERY man, woman, and child in the state. Without a detailed explanation of how HIGHER TAXES helps me, I support Huebsch 100%. So have at it, please explain. "
North Sider wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:40 AM:
" Unbelievable!!!!! Coverage and more than a couple quotes and statements from the 'other sdie'. Wow, the Tribune is allowing their reprters to 'report'. This says it all, Mike-"never saw Doyle the rest of that Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. And he didn’t see Doyle again until late Thursday. He said he later found out Doyle was flying around the state to talk to newspaper editorial boards about the budget on Tuesday".
"
wildview wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:39 AM:
" a fair tax idea..
lets tax everyone that works one dollar everyday, (even the ilegal ones)dont forget them we pay ALL there medical bills.tax to be paid at the end of the month and sent in with a tax stub to the state, 30$ a month from EVERYONE that works in the state. now how much would that add up too$$$ "
wildview wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:30 AM:
" how much litter is caused by fat people,candy wrapers,chip bags, pop cans,feed bags all out the car window. there is nothing more dangerous on the roads than a fat person eating, talking on a cell phone, while driving,, "
moab wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:30 AM:
" I don't live in Huebsch's district and am usually a bleeding heart liberal, but right now he is my hero. The cigarette tax just targets one part of the population. Why don't the democrats consider a beer tax, or other ways of spreading the pain around? "
wildview wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:24 AM:
" i got a idea, lets tax the fat people also!! we pay there medical bills,wait in the hall ways behind them and cant get thru,have to catch the next elevator when they sould be using the stairs,have to smell them,slow work ethics,work related injuries,how much money is lost due to fat people being slow at work and missing work..do you know any fat people!!! "
Sully wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:05 AM:
" If cigarettes are that bad why are they not illegal? I guess because the government gets billions in revenue from cigarette taxes. What other product is so hated and still legal?
"
Mack wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:48 AM:
" To: HonestAbe. - I already mentioned 4, but here a few more. We allow smokers to set a poor example for our children . As employers and restaurants we set aside areas exclusively for smokers. As drivers, passengers and bikers, we watch and avoid as you are distracted and inattentive fumbling for cigarettes, lighters and trying to get the darn things lit. As cyclists and convertible drivers we avoid your cigarettes tossed out of your window. As co-workers we take up slack as you are on your many cigarette breaks. As employers we accommodate lower productivity. As a society, we allow the illth caused by smoking. As your heirs we live with the legacy you left, you died from smoking, caused by your own disregard for your own health and others, and you robbed us of additional years of having you around. "
HonestAbe wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:06 AM:
" Mack, tell me one way a smoker is catered to? ONE. We're the most hated group left, other than fatties. Instead of businesses making a respectful place for smokers to go and smoke, they degrade them and say go off premises. How tough would it be to make a well ventilated room for smokers to go out of the rain and weather? That's how it is in other countries, the whiners in the US sure get their way, and smokers being outnumbered these days have no backing to fight the infringements. Cry "
HonestAbe wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:03 AM:
" Go ahead and tax the prepackaged smokes, I started making my own with a machine when this was first discussed... and pay less than half of a retail pack. Whole different tax class that won't get touched. Smokers are still going to smoke Mack, get over it. When have you ever put up with my nicotine fit? LOL Anti smokers are sure cute funny little things aren't they? Awwwww... poor baby. If your concern is litter on streams, highways etc etc, better go after fast food wrappers next, then on to gum wrappers, those evil buggers. "
HonestAbe wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:59 PM:
" But I thought he sold all the states planes. What a goofball (Doyle). Talk talk talk talk talk talk = nothing done. "
Mack wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:53 PM:
" The cigarette tax is a good tax. We already accommodate smokers in so many ways. We breathe their second hand smoke, share their healthcare costs, put up with their nicotine fits, pickup or put up with their cigarette butts being tossed on the highways, rivers, streams, parks, bike paths, sidewalks, etc... "
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