Sir:

"Tobacco tax" increases are self-righteous punitive taxes passed on to smokers, i.e., some of your constituents. The proceeds are being used for everything from anti-smoking promotion to highway construction.

Now it is proposed that an additional tobacco tax be levied "to save social security." This in the form of an 89 cent per pack increase on cigarettes and a totally new tax on roll-your-own tobacco, raising it from 0 to $2.50 per pound. Considering that tobacco is already the most highly taxed commodity on the market this is unconscionable.

There seems to be a growing conviction inside the beltway that any time funding is needed or desired, it can be gotten from tobacco users. Presumably, the next time the government is shut down, more fines against smokers can be relied upon to keep it going.

The below signed protest vehemently and demand that this initiative be dropped at once. Let no rationlization or compromise with the Clinton administration advocate otherwise.

Signed,