Politics & Government

Are You OK with Higher Gas and Cigarette Taxes?

The new taxes, which began Wednesday, are supposed to help rebuild the state's transportation infrastructure. Will it work?

By Roberto Scalese

Drivers and smokers may have a bad day Wednesday. 

New increases on state taxes on two commonly purchased items — gasoline and cigarettes — began Wednesday. The gas tax increased by 3 cents a gallon. The cigarette tax, meanwhile, went up $1 a pack. That's an extra $20 if you buy full cartons.

But before you bust out rubber tubes to syphon your neighbor's gas tank or plan to bum cigarettes off friends, remember that these increases will go to improve the state's transportation system, which — outside of the Big Dig — has been crumbling for years. Repairs and new construction cost money, which is why these taxes are increasing. 

Find out what's happening in Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But is this the right way to raise the money? Will raising these taxes provide the money needed for the needed road and rail work? Or will these taxes over time reduce the amount people drive and smoke, leading to less money than projected?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here