We, the undersigned citizens and concerned individuals, are writing to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding the long-term impact of tobacco product pricing on individuals who became addicted before the full risks and potential future costs were adequately disclosed.
Statement of the Issue:
Many of us, including the initiator of this petition, began using tobacco products, specifically cigarettes, at a time when their addictive nature was not widely publicized or clearly warned against on packaging. The price of these products was also significantly lower than it is today. For example, the initiator began smoking when a pack cost approximately $1.25. Today, the price has risen dramatically to approximately $7.50 per pack, representing a 500% increase.
This price increase, combined with the addictive nature of the product, has created a severe financial burden for long-term consumers, particularly those with limited incomes. For instance, at the time the initiator began smoking, when the minimum wage was approximately $5.15 per hour, one hour of minimum wage work could purchase about four packs of cigarettes. Now, with the minimum wage at approximately $7.25 per hour and the price per pack at $7.50, one hour of minimum wage work can no longer purchase a single pack. This drastic reduction in purchasing power feels profoundly unfair and represents a significant and ongoing financial strain on individuals who developed an addiction when the cost and perceived risk were much lower. For some, like the initiator, the cost of maintaining this addiction now takes approximately a fourth of their income.
This situation feels inherently unfair, as the addiction was established without full knowledge of the long-term financial implications driven by substantial price increases. We believe that individuals who became addicted to tobacco products during a time of less stringent warnings regarding addiction and without any form of notification about the potential for such dramatic price increases are facing a unique and difficult circumstance.
Our Request:
We respectfully urge all parties in positions to address these concerns – including elected officials who can consider legislative solutions, regulatory bodies empowered to oversee product safety and consumer protection, and tobacco product manufacturers with the ability to influence pricing and consumer information – to review the impact of escalating tobacco prices on long-term, addicted consumers. We ask that you consider actions that acknowledge the historical context of tobacco marketing and addiction and address the significant financial burden now faced by individuals who became addicted under those circumstances.
We encourage you to explore potential options that could lead to more equitable treatment for long-term addicted consumers, recognizing that their addiction was established when the understanding and disclosure of risks, including the potential long-term financial cost, were less comprehensive.
Justification:
We believe that principles of fairness and consumer dignity support a review of this issue. While the health risks of smoking are now well-known, the financial entrapment experienced by individuals addicted when information was less available, and prices were low, is a consequence that deserves consideration. Taking action would demonstrate a commitment to addressing the ongoing impact of past tobacco industry practices on vulnerable consumers.
Closing Statement:
This issue affects real people facing real financial strain because of an addiction that began before they had full knowledge of the potential costs. By signing this petition, you stand with long-term tobacco consumers and call for a fairer approach. Your signature is a powerful statement that these individuals should not be forgotten or disproportionately burdened. Please join us in urging action.
