Taxpayer, law enforcement, medical, small business and community groups held news conferences recently to talk about why they oppose Prop. 86. The first was held in Sacramento and featured former Department of Finance director Donna Arduin, who has concluded that Prop. 86 will bring in $1.3 million LESS than supporters say.

“Given the unprecedented tax increase Prop. 86 represents, there is little doubt that consumers will look to lower-taxed venues from which to purchase cigarettes such as the Internet, bordering states with lower taxes and tribal lands. That behavior could result in as much as $1.3 billion less coming into the state’s coffers than the Legislative Analyst Office predicts,” said Arduin.

The second coalition event, held in San Diego, included law enforcement groups opposed to Prop. 86 due to its potential to significantly increase smuggling and black market activity. Nearly 30 law enforcement organizations across California OPPOSE Prop. 86.

Twenty-nine newspapers have urged their readers to vote NO on 86, including recent editorials from the Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Los Angeles Daily News.

“Imagine trying to tax other bad habits, adding $2.60 onto every coffee, tea or cola purchased . . . Even more outrageous is that the money raised from Prop. 86 wouldn't go to help smokers quit or to discourage people from starting or even directly to cover medical costs associated with smoking illnesses.”
“Send Prop. 86 up in smoke” Contra Costa Times, October 8, 2006 (Read More)