Students on The University of Memphis campus are expressing mixed emotions about the pending legislation regarding an increase in the state sin tax in order to increase funding for elementary, secondary and higher education.
A sin tax is a tax on beer, wine, liquor and tobacco products. The proposed increase will be from $3.90 to $7.14 per barrel of beer, $1.10 to $1.40 per gallon of wine, $4.00 to $4.48 per gallon of liquor and roughly a 50 percent increase for cigarettes.
“It doesn’t bother me if it’s in order to fund our education,” said C.J. James, a senior Psychology major.“College students drink so much that we’ll probably be going to school for free in a couple of years anyway.”
Although a recent study said that nearly eight out of ten U of M students consume three or fewer drinks per week, a study in 1997 said that 75 percent of those in the 18-to-25 age group have reported drinking. This tax increase will significantly impact the pocketbooks of some students.
“I already pay for my education, so I do not want to have to pay for it again,” said Rocky Cathey, a student at The U of M.
Others, such as freshman Cole Weintraub, wonder why the funding is being drawn from things considered by some to be “sinful,” and who is given the right to label them as such. Several students suggested that it would be wise to look elsewhere to raise the funds.
“There are other ways to raise the money for education,” said senior Tommy White. “Look at the success of state lotteries — a sin tax is not the answer.”
Sophomore Andrew Dafferner offered a similar proposal for alternative funding.
“I don’t understand why they feel the need to increase taxes for things that some people find their leisure and enjoyment in,” said Dafferner. “Since education is something that affects everyone, why are they proposing something that will only impact a certain portion of the population? I think that they ought to raise the state sales tax instead.”
While several were strongly against the idea of an increased sin tax, some students were in total support of the idea.
“Being that Tennessee’s education level is one of the lowest in the country, any way of reforming our education budget would be beneficial,” said sophomore International Business major Grant Ellis, “People who are going to drink or smoke will find ways to do it regardless of the cost.”
A few students even suggested some ideas for getting around the proposed tax increase.
“If things get bad enough, I’ll just start drinking Boone’s Berry Farms Wine and smoking Salem lights,” said J.D. Rogers, a U of M student.
Other students approved of the idea because of its possible ethical enforcement.
“I think that it would be a great idea, not only because our state educational system is in need of more money,” said Emily Phillips, a U of M student and member of the Baptist Student Union, “and alcohol and cigarettes are bad for you anyway.”
Although the definition of “bad” is open to interpretation, other students offered up reasons why they find alcohol and tobacco usage less than desirable.
“I think that it is a good idea, but it will not directly impact me because I don’t drink,” said U of M student Ressa McCoy. “If it keeps students from drinking instead of doing their work, I think that it is a wonderful idea.”
Other students, such as Caleb Midgett, base their opinions on where the funding will be going.
“Honestly, I’m more against the proposal,” Midgett said. “I’m already spending so much on education that I feel as if the cons will significantly outweigh the pros.”
The majority of opinions of those interviewed were summed up by one statement from student Bryan Smiley.
“It’s a good idea, but it’s going to make my education a lot less fun.”
The proposed bill does leave hope for some students in support of the idea for the sin tax.
“Hopefully, it will at least lower our tuition costs,” said freshman Sue Barclay. “I think that overall, it would be a great idea. People who want these things will buy them regardless.”
