Governor Rendell is proposing a tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars to help lessen the $3.2 billion budget deficit. But local farmers say it could destroy their business.
The governor says within the first year, the smokeless tobacco tax could bring in $30 million. Those against it say that is just 1% of the budget deficit, and it could really harm their business.
Farmer Don Welk of Lancaster County says tobacco provides more of an income than any of his other crops. He fears the tax will bring sales down and he would not be able to sell as much. "We need tobacco to survive, we are a small family farm."
He hopes to pass his farm down to his two sons one day, and says this tax could prevent that from happening if it goes through.
The governor's spokesperson says Pennsylvania is the only state in the union that does not tax these products, and the money it could raise would help the state in tough financial times.
The tobacco tax is just one of a number of items on Rendell's budget plan that needs to be approved this summer.
The governor says within the first year, the smokeless tobacco tax could bring in $30 million. Those against it say that is just 1% of the budget deficit, and it could really harm their business.
Farmer Don Welk of Lancaster County says tobacco provides more of an income than any of his other crops. He fears the tax will bring sales down and he would not be able to sell as much. "We need tobacco to survive, we are a small family farm."
He hopes to pass his farm down to his two sons one day, and says this tax could prevent that from happening if it goes through.
The governor's spokesperson says Pennsylvania is the only state in the union that does not tax these products, and the money it could raise would help the state in tough financial times.
The tobacco tax is just one of a number of items on Rendell's budget plan that needs to be approved this summer.
