Cigar Smokers Under Attack in Wisconsin...

Those of us who enjoy cigars have come under some pretty intense scrutiny as a byproduct of the movement that would see the use of legal tobacco products severely restricted.

Those restrictions take the form of Governor Doyle’s proposed budget to increase the tax on cigars by something in the range of 125%. The budget debate is ongoing in the Joint Finance Committee where republicans and democrats each have eight seats. Tie votes mean that the Governor’s budget, as proposed, will be voted on by both the Assembly and the Senate. We must not permit these wholesale tax increases to occur in Wisconsin that already “enjoys” the reputation of being among the highest taxed states in the U.S. The democrats, so far, have hung together on most of the budget propositions already debated. If this pattern holds, and it likely will, we must encourage the republicans to stand together against the entire budget.

Republicans control the Assembly. If they stand together, the budget need not be passed with all the onerous taxes it now contains.

Additional, and even more onerous restrictions are to be found in Wisconsin Senate Bill 150. SB150 contains language that would eliminate our ability to enjoy smoking a legal product in the cigar store after our purchase. Since cigar stores employ people and since smoking in all places of employment would be prohibited…smoking in the lounge area of your cigar store would become illegal.

We have discussed this with various co-authors of SB150 and have received a courteous but, so far, non-reply to our requests for an amendment to be sponsored that would protect tobacconists and cigar smokers. This blog is devoted to changing the tide of battle and that depends upon every cigar smoker and tobacconist standing together. The cigar manufacturers are lobbying for the same things we stand for, but are keeping their contact information secret for now to protect those whom they may’ve convinced to bring an amendment to SB150 or those who have pledged to stand against the budget onslaught. That is understandable but disconcerting since we could find ourselves defenseless if they are not winning support...and we won't know that until it is too late.

Hearings are soon to be held. It is imperative that all of those who think this is unconscionable begin to make regular periodic contact with their elected representatives. We must let our elected officials know that we know what is happening, that we oppose what is happening, that we are numerous, that we vote and we influence many others who also vote.

You will find a links to the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America (RTDA) Legislative Action Center in our favorite links area. Use this tool to determine by whom you’re represented and to make contact with each to voice your views and to respectfully request their attention and support.

We will call on individual members of the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate, and will provide you with their positions as those become known. You’ll want to applaud those who support our positions, and make further contact with those who have yet to see the light.

Your comments to these blogs are appreciated. If you would like to be permitted to post blogs simply e-mail the Cigar Curmudgeon with your name and level of interest.