$10 per stick cigar tax?

[cigar no baka]

I just tried calling both my Senators. Good luck. Hutchinsons line is constantly busy, and Cornyns, a machine picks up and tells you that if you've reached this message, all lines are busy and to call again later.

[spiffykyle]

It was like that yesterday as well. I just used the auto-redial and speakerphone on my cell. After about 45 minutes I got through. Good way to use up all those roll over minutes I got saved up.

spiffy

[feldspar]

The bill was approved by the Senate Finance committee last night (press release). Now it is on its way to the Senate floor for a vote. It's now more important than ever that you get in touch with your Senators and let them know that their constituency doesn't support this.

After being approved by a full Senate vote, the bill goes to the House of Representatives. Hopefully, it won't make it that far, but if it does, be sure to let your representatives know how you feel about this as well.

I know the President intends to veto this bill if it makes its way to his desk, but hopefully we won't have to worry about it getting that far!

[hex1848]

I just got off the phone with Mel Martinez office and voiced my concerns with the front desk. I guess I had good timing I was able to speak with both offices on my first tries.

[COMB2]

Can someone type up a well worded statement? I'm no good at that stuff. Don't want to write the congressmen and sound stupid.

[cls515]

Hex, how would a tax like this work? Some cigars are not made in the US, they are imported as you know of course. Is it the retailers that charge the cosumer the tax? What about orders overseas? Would the tax affect cigar orders that are placed with retailers in a different country?

[koolhandk]

I am pretty sure it is the retailers that will tax the consumers, who will then spend less thereby putting many a tobacconist out of business. If you are referring to buying your Cubans or other various cigars from another country I am sure there would be some kind of way around it, legal or otherwise.

[bigwhiteash]

Can someone type up a well worded statement? I'm no good at that stuff. Don't want to write the congressmen and sound stupid.

Use this link, http://capwiz.com/rtda/issues/alert/?alertid=10008296

once you enter your zip, there will be a text box with "pre-written well worded statements" on the right hand side, just click on one or more and yoou're all set.

[cigar no baka]

Well, my message got through to Bush and Kay Baily Hutchinson. It took me like ten tries to get a message through to Cornyn; his stupid website kept timing out. Booooo Cornyn, upgrade your servers!!!

[spiffykyle]

Well, my message got through to Bush and Kay Baily Hutchinson. It took me like ten tries to get a message through to Cornyn; his stupid website kept timing out. Booooo Cornyn, upgrade your servers!!!

According to Cornyn he opposes the bill anyways, not because of cigars but because this is a gimmicky and short sighted way to fund an important health care program. So we're good there.

spiffy