Is Halo sending anyone to the NJ budget hearings proposing a tax on ecigs?

[devil495]

Does anyone know if Halo (and the many vaping stores in NJ) will be testifying before the NJ Senate Budget Appropriations hearings scheduled for this week (beginning Wednesday & Thursday) to discuss a proposed "equivalent tax" on ecig juice that would make a 30ml bottle of ejuice cost approximately $100 in taxes if passed?

http://.........blogspot.com/2014/03/hometown-nj-to-tax-ecigs-10000-30ml.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-cigs-rate-equal-2-70-pack-cigarette-tax.html

 

[Lucienbel]

This is awful and I hope that Halo will send some reps (and hopefully some of the forums New Jersey members will get out too). If this ends up being a success in New Jersey, every other state is going to see it, and with the way the economy is now I expect many will follow suit.

 

[DaveOno]

Unbelievable.

“If e-cigarettes are taxed less than regular cigarettes we’re sending a message out there that they’re somehow safer, and I think the jury is out on that,” said Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-Hamilton Square)."

This is from this article http://nj1015.com/gov-christie-plans-new-tax-rate-for-e-cigarettes-audio/

So, in other words, we have no idea if ecigs are safer, so let's tax it. Actually, we don't care about safety or health. We have an income stream just waiting for us to grab.

Opponents argue that many people who are using e-cigarettes to help them quit smoking will simply go back to regular cigarettes if the tax hike is enacted. Benson dismissed that. He explained there are plenty of programs and products to help people stop smoking.

But studies show the other methods don't work very well, and are far more expensive. So let's tax something that is proven (although not clinically) to reduce smoking, and force people into overpriced options that aren't as effective.

I believe the thread for this topic is in another part of the forum, but here's one Halon upset with Gov. Christie.

SMH...

I will make a good effort to be at one of the hearings. With my unsafe dangerous Triton!!!

 

[DaveOno]

One more thing. If they don't know whether or not vaping is safe, aren't they condoning it by not outright banning it?

If it is unsafe, aren't they taxing something that is harmful?

The illogical reasons are mind-numbing. The illiterati are in full force at the NJ Gov't.

Let's not allow science and facts to get in the way.


(who? me? Sarcastic?)

 

[GreenLeaf]

Unbelievable.



This is from this article http://nj1015.com/gov-christie-plans-new-tax-rate-for-e-cigarettes-audio/

So, in other words, we have no idea if ecigs are safer, so let's tax it. Actually, we don't care about safety or health. We have an income stream just waiting for us to grab.


But studies show the other methods don't work very well, and are far more expensive. So let's tax something that is proven (although not clinically) to reduce smoking, and force people into overpriced options that aren't as effective.

I believe the thread for this topic is in another part of the forum, but here's one Halon upset with Gov. Christie.

SMH...

I will make a good effort to be at one of the hearings. With my unsafe dangerous Triton!!!

I need to speak my mind for a second, regardless of what anyone thinks...

These new implications are so utterly repulsive, it makes me GAG. This effects ALL of us who know for a FACT we are making the right choice, as free adults. I would even go as far as to say we have the right to make the wrong choices, so long as it only effects us personally. Such has always been the case with smoking cigarettes, and those actually effect bi-standards.

This has nothing to do with public or personal safety. It's NEVER been about that, and that is dangerously WRONG. Even more dangerous and detrimental as a whole than these new proposals.

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

The shock wave is greater than we realize. Now is the tipping point, and I'm not just talking about ecigs. It's time to wake up.

The bi-product of our decision is we are effectively taking away their ability to stuff their coffers. With cigarette sales, taxes, and cancer or additional treatment.

WHY aren't ecigs clinically tested? Because money.

SMFH.

 

[GreenLeaf]

Another fact to consider. Last time I checked, state tax on beer is exactly the same as state tax on hard liquor.

This is 8.25% in Texas, what do you guys and gals pay in booze tax?

If they are implying a ridiculous "equivalent tax" charge based on nicotine content, then a handle of liquor should cost a couple hundred bucks too.

Hell, let's just go back to prohibition. Because that works so well.

 

[JohnnyDill]

It is ludicrous and INSANE to even consider taxing E-Cigs like tobacco. THERE IS NO TOBACCO in these products. NONE.