Complaint Review: MI State Govenment

I can't believe the gaul of our State House in MI. Our Governor has started a bill to raise taxes in our state to pay our states deficit. That don't sound so bad right, well this tax will ONLY effect cigarette smokers. They will be Taxed 50 cents more per pack to cover the STATES deficit.

This is Outrageous Government out of control. Why should a group be singled out to pay for a deficit that was caused by the States overspending? Not only Don't we, as citizens, get to vote on this issue, the Governor has said if it don't pass the Senate, they will cut all funding for the arts in our schools.

This is the reason we have a lottery in our state, is so these programs wouldn't be cut. (only 5% of the Lotto earnings are going to the schools!?!?!?!?!) Yep, This is America?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Land of the FREE and home of the brave. I feel sick to call myself an American when people like this are aloud to discriminate and Tax people without a vote!

This country is was built FOR The people BY the people but we have no rights as people. Yes I smoke, I have been trying to quit for 4 years without success. Our state just received 300 million dollars from the settlement with the big tobacco companies. As a smoker, I resent the fact that I will not see one dime go for my health or help in quitting, and on top of that They (the state) want Smokers to pay them MORE for being a smoker, because they can't handle money!!

What is wrong with these people. This is PURE discrimination! I'm really starting to know what it's like to be a Black man, in this country. The discrimination in this country towards smokers is out of control. I drove a truck in this country for over 13
years, I have been belittled in restaurants by children, and watched the parents laugh and say good boy.

Called Dirty and made to feel less than human because I'm addicted to cigarettes. I Blame the cigarette companies for this. I wish I was an alcoholic instead, At least then I would have some rights and get FREE help to quit. This is the same Governor that wanted to raise taxes on Diesel fuel sold to Truckers to pay for their raise. Needless to say that was not passed it was deemed discriminatory.

Why is it not the same for a smoker? We (smokers) have become the one thing that is deemed to be OK to discriminate against, an quite frankly I am d**n sick of it. Luckily I live close to the border of Indiana and will be going there to buy my cigarettes till I can quit. but that will not help the rest of the smokers in the state. It's time something was done about this. I can't believe that how far this country has gone downhill in last few years.

I hope this gets your attention and you air it. I'm one want to be NON Smoker that is mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.Instead of kicking smokers to the curb for an addiction that is harder to kick than a cocane habit. Why not start programs to help them quit, or pay for nicotine patches or what
ever to help people quit?......

K
Kalamazoo, Michigan