By Edward Sperry Col USAF (ret), Stevensville
There is more than a spoonful of sugar in the initiative for increasing the cigarette tax (I-185). It has appeal to many and is supported by much of the medical community, or at least the financial elements. I have only a brief comment which should be of interest to any veteran reading this letter. I’ll try to cut through the election verbiage and hit the core issue.
There will be a negative impact upon funding for Veteran Homes! This will occur just when funding will be needed for the new Veteran Home to be established in the Butte area.
The original, current cigarette tax was initially established to support veteran homes. This was reflected in the priority for allocation of funds which currently places Veteran Homes as “First to Receive.” The proposed initiative will change that to “Following.” Yes, following all the new programs proposed to be funded by this initiative – see page 6 {MCA 16-11-119(2)}.
Comrades, support for our needy veterans is threatened just when the need is greater. The Veteran Homes will pay the price of a low funding cap accompanied by reduced priority. Before you vote, go figure.