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Massachusetts Smokers Outraged at Cigarette Price Hike

John Eagan

Story Created: Jul 2, 2008 at 6:41 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2008 at 6:41 PM EDT

If you smoke and live in Massachusetts, be prepare to pay up, because Governor Deval Patrick has raised the tax on cigarettes.  The increase is as much as a dollar per pack.

Supporters say the new money will aid health care programs, but that reason is not flying with smokers.  Others say it is going to force some people to give up the habit altogether.

ABC 6 reporter John Guice has reaction to the tax hike...

Friday, Jul 4 at 1:04 PM kathryn, Attleboro wrote ...

I would rather see the Governor raise the tax on alcohol! Hmmmmmmmm that will never happen because then what would he serve the people that attend his political gatherings which, by the way, we pay for? Imagine all the tax money the State would make by all the alcohol that is consumed at these gatherings?

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Friday, Jul 4 at 7:57 AM AL wrote ...

They now tell you(our goverment)what to do whether you like it or not.In the state of rhode island you cannot smoke on a beach.PATHETIC.What to eat,must wear your seatbelt,etc etc.We have gone from FREEDOM TO SLAVERY

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Thursday, Jul 3 at 12:39 PM Jeanna Lovitt jax wrote ...

They should stop smoking its bad for there lungs i would like my dad to stop smoking but he well bye.

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 8:33 PM g.d wrote ...

they should quit it will be good for them then mas will have to find another way to support the health care plan.

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