By the Numbers...

Why does Kentucky need a significant tobacco tax increase? The primary reason is NOT to help balance the budget That's a nice side-effect and Governor Beshear is absolutely correct in trying to use that revenue to try to offset the massive burden that tobacco uses causes Kentucky's economy. But, the facts below detail the REAL reasons a large tobacco tax in needed. The numbers speak for themselves.
•  YOUTH smoking rates will DECLINE by 16.6%
•  There will be 55,400 FEWER future YOUTH smokers
• There will be 34,900 FEWER ADULT smokers
• 26,900 smoking-caused DEATHS will be AVOIDED
• 12,700 FEWER births will be HARMED by smoking
•  Kentucky will SAVE $23.7 MILLION in heart and stroke Healthcare costs in the next 5 years alone
•  Over the next 5 years, Kentucky will SAVE $21.6 MILLION in reduced expenses from births HARMED by smoking
•  Long-term Healthcare savings will total MORE THAN $1.301 BILLION!
• To parallel a 70-cent increase in cigarette taxes, the state's new tax rate on other tobacco products should be approximately 40% of the wholesale price.

 
 
 

Crittenden County Coalition for a Drug-Free Community PO Box 22, Marion, KY 42064   24/hr 7day/week local helpline     Pennyroyal Hotline 1-877-473-7766

• Medical Detox - If a loved one wants help, overdoses or is arrested, he/she will either detox in jail, without medical assistance, or in a hospital with personnel who are usually untrained to help with detox. He/she will likely suffer, perhaps unnecessarily, and could even die. • More Residential Treatment - Most often a residential program is 30 days and is grossly insufficient as well as a waste of time and money unless it is combined with local services. Residential treatment is a vital treatment requirement for those severely addicted. However, everyday in the state of Kentucky, we are short 300 treatment beds, meaning those who want or need help may wait weeks or months for help. • Assistance Programs - Coordination of assistance programs with mental health services and drug and alcohol treatment facilities to provide food, clothing, housing, and health care. More Funding to Local Facilities   • Write a Check Monthly and Help Someone Near You A student - A friend - A Family Member - A Neighbor Send Donations today to: Crittenden County Coalition PO Box 22, Marion, KY 42064