The state taxes are determined by the citizens of that state. If the people of California do not like paying high taxes for cigarettes, then why don’t they just lower those taxes?It wasn't the smokers that raised the tobacco taxes.
An overwhelming majority of Californians, including those who call themselves Republicans, are perfectly happy to vote to raise taxes, as long as those taxes apply to someone else.
I call myself a Republican and a conservative. And I’ve served on the GOP Central Committee and been to many a FReeper and Tea Party rally. Proud to say I, and millions of other conservatives support taxes on cigarettes.
Econ 101. An increase in price produces a decrease in demand.
I am A republican and I woulkd never vote for anyone proposing raising taxes. And I California pols. And I live in a red county but pay for all the blue ones. California sucks!!!