New smoking restrictions in Washington. Oh boy!

[shelliebear]

People in WA state receiving housing assistance can no longer smoke within 25 feet of any building entrance in any of the state's subsidized housing programs.

They said "they hope it will push people to quit smoking".
Yes, but what they don't realize is we're practically paying the state the funding they need to provide subsidized housing out of the taxes they take out of our cigarettes ALONE.
Per pack of 20 cigs they charge us $3.5 dollars or so for state taxes.
Of which, 51.6 cents goes to the state's trust account to support education enhancement, and $2.5 dollars goes to the state's general fund, which supports "most state services".
In the fiscal year '09 392.4 million was generated in tax dollars alone.
So I'm wondering, if they win and finally ban smoking in WA state, where will they make up that 392.4 million dollars, of which roughly 156.96 million dollars goes towards general state funding?
As for second hand smoking, I'm not one of the people to deny the evidence that second hand smoking is harmful. Clearly if you inhale smoke, you are at risk for cancer over a prolonged period of time; however, I'd like to see a study where someone died from second hand smoke WITHOUT working somewhere that was often full of smoke from cigarettes or cigars, etc.
Meaning, has anyone ever died just from passing by the same person smoking a cigarette everday, on the way to their car?
I doubt it.
You'd have to stand in a bar for 12 hours a day breathing in the smoke of at least 3 people smoking right next to you to inhale an amount that would noticeably increase your mortality.
For this reason I certainly don't support smoking in bars. It's just not fair to those who may work in the bar, or in a nursing home where patients can smoke openly, it's not fair to the workers there either.
But smoking outside your door? I think that would be ok. Smoking in your own apartment that you pay for? You'd think it would be ok.
Even not smoking inside your apartment, I can understand the fire hazard, and besides, kids shouldn't be around the smoke in a house, and it IS expensive to eradicate a smell (debate on this later....).
But you shouldn't have to go 25 FEET AWAY from all entrances. That's ridiculous. And it doesn't solve anything.
As for eradicating the smell, who says because of a smell they can make something illegal?
Oh, man, if this was the case all the time life would be amazing--people would be required to shower once daily because their odor is offensive if they don't, change clothes daily, no perfume or cologne that is government approved to not be offensive, and in controlled amounts as well.
Not to mention, and no offense to anyone here--obesity...Are we going to make those overweight people who may choose not to change their lifestyle, and to simply eat lots of food, suffer also? (I know that it's rare that anybody just eats food all day...) Start taxing people's food based on how much they weigh?
I heard a restaurant told a customer to leave the other day because they thought she was too obese to be eating and they suggested she get healthier food.

Now, please don't take all that the wrong way--I know many of you here, and I know many people in my life, who are overweight and it ISN'T a choice. The only possible choice could be the choice to try to change your issues...I was making a point about simply restricting people's choices based on the health conditions their choices may cause.

This new ban in Washington affects medical marijuana smokers and prevents the burning of incense.
Ok, but medical marijuana smokers have a prescription to smoke what they do. Can I now make a law preventing people from taking prescribed painkillers in their apartment?
Painkillers account for a large majority of addictions nationwide, since they are mentally and physically addicting themselves.

Just my thoughts. I didn't mean to offend anyone, and I hope I didn't. I'm just angry and concerned about where this money is going to come from...

Shellie

[Simple Man]

If people quit smoking maybe they could afford their own dwelling. Food for thought.

Regards,

B

[shelliebear]

Well, if you figure one month of rent in low income housing is $250, and cigarettes are $80 a carton here, and a heavy smoker smokes 3 cartons a month, that's only $240 per month they'd save, which isn't enough for an apartment, let alone bills and food.
But that is a good point. It's close, very close indeed.

[shelliebear]

Honestly, I smoke, and I wouldn't mind quitting. I'm just worried where the money will come from to replace the smoking tax...and of course, if we allow gov't to stick their hands here, they'll stick it there, too. :/
Guess I've got a little paranoia going on, perhaps.

[Simple Man]

I understand. I was only half serious I'm fully against the government getting involved any more than they already are. In fact I'm all for reducing government. Less government, less taxes! But they will find somewhere to get the taxes. Washington always does!

Regards,

B

[Johan]

you guys are silly. The money would be returned via taxes made by the extended life that would occur from people that quit smoking. People that dont smoke live longer, and spend less time in the hospital. This equals more working hours, spending and taxes. This would far exceed the savings that would be received from taxing the cigarettes.

[TomC]

But people who smoke generally draw less social security because they do not live as long and we all know that fund is broken. Just playing devils advocate I personally am all for the government butting out of peoples lives for the most part. I personally don't smoke but I have a lot of friends that do and it doesn't bother me. I know this is a hot topic pretty much all over the country and I can see both sides.

[I<3Dreamsicles]

Addiction = fail.

Smokers have stupid logic.

My roommate quit smoking for a few months, then started back up, only smoking a few a day... so he says its not that bad.

Except... he was smoking 0 a day before, therefor IT IS.

Smoking is a very expensive habit, and not worth one penny of it.

and shellie, "wouldnt mind quitting".... your not going to quit thinking like that. Good job giving it somewhat of a thought though.

[m00kfu]

Well, if you figure one month of rent in low income housing is $250, and cigarettes are $80 a carton here, and a heavy smoker smokes 3 cartons a month, that's only $240 per month they'd save, which isn't enough for an apartment, let alone bills and food.
But that is a good point. It's close, very close indeed.

$240 saved from smoking, plus the $250 they were already paying for rent. Do apartments really cost more than $490 a month out there? That's enough for a house in most parts of Michigan.

[shelliebear]

My brother and his fiance were getting DSHS, WIC food stamps, etc while she was pregnant and the lowest apartment they could get was $450 a month for a tiny two bedroom.
They're pricey.
They were both working at mickie d's too. :/