Letter to the Editor / Served Alcohol & Tobacco Tax is a good idea

During the last week, three different people asked me what I thought about the served alcohol and tobacco tax, making it clear they were against it. What I discovered after talking to each of them was that they didn’t know much about it.

Monroe County voters may be asked this question: Would you propose a sales tax on tobacco and served alcohol…where the proceeds could only be used to fund and increase services to meet unmet needs for children, seniors, disabled, veterans, and other vulnerable residents and to offset such costs currently funded by property taxes?”

If this tax is implemented, property taxes will go down.

Tourists will pay a large portion of this tax.

No one is going to stop going to happy hour because their drinks cost .25 more.

No one will stop smoking because their cigarette pack costs $.50 more.

Bartenders will receive more tips from those who always tip by percentage.

This tax would not target those with the lowest incomes disproportionately: rich people just drink and smoke more expensive things.

What is more important to county government than to ensure the health and safety of its citizens?

Through the HSAB, the county awarded less than 5% of the money it takes to deliver services provided by just 26 of the nonprofits here. These agencies were able to leverage the $2M given to them to bring $7.5 million dollars into the county.

The people this tax would help are not lying around waiting for a hand out. Did you know that 2400 children in Monroe County go to bed hungry every night? Or that some mothers work two minimum wage jobs and can’t afford to have a health exam?

If the voters agree to add this tax—and I hope they do—the logistics would be discussed ad infinitum to ensure a fair distribution.

People in our community are struggling.   “Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society”– Oliver Wendell Holmes

Kim Romano

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