Virginia sales and cigarette tax increases approved during the 2004 General Assembly session went into effect this month.
The total sales and use tax rose to five percent. The state cigarette tax escalated from 2.5 to 20 cents per pack, a figure that will increase to 30 cents beginning July 1, 2005.
The sales and use tax generally has slipped by unnoticed, as the increase has shown little impact on local sales and customer trends.
While students and community members in Charlottesville generally have not responded strongly to the sales tax rise, the steeper increase in the cigarette tax has led to more vocalized opinions in the area.
"There's been a little more whining, but that's it," said Dave Sherman, an employee at the Corner Market. "People gotta have [their cigarettes]. We can quit, or we can pay."
Individual smoking preferences often polarized opinions toward Gov. Mark R. Warner's plan.
"Since I'm not a smoker, I'm not directly affected, but I would hope [the tax] will discourage people from getting into the habit," said first-year Nursing student Laura Czarnik.
In addition to the recent increases, tax changes initiated by Warner will continue to affect the state of Virginia with further changes to the tax code. Future plans reportedly include reducing the food tax, increasing income taxes on some and providing tax relief for military and National Guard families.
Read More
Virginia General Assembly demands answers about Ryan's resignation in Aug. 1 letter
By Brendon Bordwine | 10 hours agoIn a 10-page letter obtained by The Cavalier Daily, State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, demanded written responses and documentation from University Rector Rachel Sheridan and University Vice Rector Porter Wilkinson regarding the lead up to and fallout from former University President Jim Ryan's resignation.
Weighing their place in U.Va. presidential search, students hope for leader with integrity
By Mia Tan | 2 days agoWith the search for the University’s 10th president underway, students are voicing cautious hopes for a leader who will prioritize transparency, integrity and the needs of the University community
Honor Committee discusses potential changes to its sanctioning process
By Bertie Azqueta | 3 days agoAny changes to the role of counsel could significantly affect how sanctioning is pursued by the reporter and the University community against those who committed Honor offenses.
