Do Cigarette Excise Tax Hikes Cut Teen Smoking?
This report is divided into three parts: 1) A recent news release from the Centers for Disease Control which states teen smoking did not decline after 2002, and this is just during the time states passed their draconian cigarette tax hikes. 2) A regression analysis of CDC data on states teen smoking rates and states excise tax rates on cigarettes in 2003. 3) References to other studies questioning if tax hikes cut teen smoking , and even if other public policy criteria are helpful. To make it perfectly clear I do not believe teens should smoke. Teens have not emotionally developed to the point where they can make rational, fully informed decisions about any of lifes choices. I also believe teens should not reproduce, consume alcohol, marry, or engage in sexual conduct. I am writing this report because I believe antismoking researchers have created the false impression that massive cigarette tax increases will cut teen smoking rates in order to economically harass adult smokers, and fun
