Measure 108 would create a tax on nicotine vaping and heated tobacco products. Under the ballot measure, the monies would first go to the administration and enforcement of the tax. The remaining revenue would then be allocated to the Oregon Health Authority for medical and health care-assistance programs, including mental health services and other programs concerning tobacco and nicotine health issues.
“Sin taxes” by their nature are unfair. They often hit our most vulnerable population, and this measure is no exception. While this measure appears to be a slam dunk yes vote, opponents of the measure have rightly pointed out that people attempting to stop smoking do use vaping as a successful means to quit.
That said, vaping is not a healthy alternative. As more research continues to pour out on this relatively new addition to the pantheon of sinful products, it would be good if there was a higher bar for use. In addition, these products are currently not taxed at all—and there is no denying that their use does have an impact on the health system. Deriving some additional revenue from vaping is a necessary part of the commerce of these products, or at least it should be.
Vote yes on Measure 108.
This article appears in Oct 21-28, 2020.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
That’s merely going to cause a spike in cigarette smoking and a thriving black market industry. In California a lot of vape users began buying black market vape products from out of state instead of paying the 59%.
That’s merely going to cause a spike in cigarette smoking and a thriving black market industry. In California a lot of vape users began buying black market vape products from out of state instead of paying the 59% tax.
@Mittens92 That’s been true for decades. In the 70’s and 80’s people from Washington would make special trips to Oregon to buy cases of cigarettes at a crazy cheap price compared to their own state. That being said, the state has still seen a HUGE decline in active smokers. Many believe it’s due to not only the higher cost, but also the difficulties if getting them cheaper from somewhere else AND the additional availability of cessation programs (paid for by the additional tax revenue).