Should the 1-percentage-point increase in Cook Countys portion of the sales tax be repealed?
The 1% tax as well as some of the more restrictive excessive taxation should be repealed. A perspective from a tobacco user close to the county line: Prior to the additional $10 per carton cigarette tax, Cook County already had a $4.00 penalty. Single pack upcharge equating to .40 is not a big deal if in a hurry, but $1.40 for each involves advance planning. .07 per cigarette extra based on an example of 200 per week per adult (2 or more consumers in selected households) really adds up on a per-month budget. Since most retailers also have liquor licenses, beer, wine, soda, snack as well as hard liquor purchases would most likely also occur across county lines. While there, one may also choose to purchase lottery tickets or other discretionary purchases. Maybe fuel up the vehicle, get a sandwich, etc. as well. The snowball effect in lost revenue by just one item being excessively taxed is staggering. Now when we factor in major purchases due to simple sales tax differential (Automobiles
