Smokers unite against Taxin’ Jaxin | Letter

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Taxin’ Jaxin is a perfect name for Troy Jackson. He loved to tax Mainers right out of their homes. He seemed to take pride in raising taxes.

One tax he raised that doesn’t garner much attention was the cigarette tax. There was a budget shortfall, so the Budget Committee asked Troy for a 50-cent increase on a pack of cigarettes. “Sure,” Jackson said, “here’s $ 1.50.” That was three times what they wanted.

History shows these “sin taxes” don’t work. People quit smoking, cut down or switch to other delivery methods — hence not as much money as projected. Therefore another shortfall in revenue.

Smokers unite and get rid of this joker for good!

Kevin Noel
Portland

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Tagged: election 2026, letter to the editor, senate 2026