If
you are a cigar smoker, you most likely know about the SCHIP bill. If not,
then briefly it is the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which sounds
like a worthy cause. However, like many bills, it has several flaws, one of
which is a tax of 44% plus $1 per cigar. A $7 cigar would then cost $11.08. The
bill died last year because Democrats didn't have large enough control to
override the President's veto.
With the new administration, most people believe it will likely pass.
I received this email from the IPCPR, International Premium Cigar & Pipe
Retailers Association.
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Your trade association, CAA, and members of the industry are aware of the new
administration's position on making SCHIP a priority in 2009.
The CAA, members of the industry, the IPCPR Executive Board and our lobbyists
have been working with key congressional leaders over the last few months to
negotiate a tax plan that would provide the monies needed for the SCHIP and yet
keep our industry healthy and taxed at a sustainable level.
Due to the delicate nature of any negotiations the details cannot be disclosed
at this time. Even though nothing is ever guaranteed in politics, the people we
are dealing with are known for their word. We are constantly in contact with the
key players and we will know before any changes occur to the current SCHIP Bill.
Please feel confident that through the IPCPR and their lobbyists, the economic
health of the retailers and our industry has been and will be fought for and
protected.
The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) is a
not-for-profit trade association organized as the advocate for the independent
retail tobacconist and recognized as the "Voice of Authority and Reason" on
premium tobacco related issues.
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Cigar-Review.com / Puff.com will keep our readers informed of further
developments on SCHIP.
