As a small business retail tobacconist, I request your opposition to HB-2158 & HB-2270. The legislation proposed will not provide the expected revenue that the state hopes to achieve. The legislation would in fact reduce the monies the state receives from stores like mine. The cigar tax cap has been important for brick and mortar stores to stay competitive against online sales. Removing the cigar tax cap will undoubtably shift my customer base to seek lower prices online. Online retailers pay no tax to the state of Oregon and it is impossible for the state to require the collection of these taxes. I request your “NO” vote on these two pieces of legislation. Let’s keep our consumer dollars local and defeat these bills.

As a small business retail premium tobacconist, I request your opposition to HB-2158 & HB2270. Both these bills aim to remove the current cigar tax cap of $0.50/cigar which has allowed Oregon premium cigar businesses to stay competitive against the online cigar market. Removing this cap will do more damage than good across the state. Our customers are price sensitive and we as a business cannot afford the increased costs while keeping our doors open. Oregon should be in the business of protecting brick and mortar stores like ours. I request a “NO” vote on these pair of bills so Oregon can continue supporting small business and not succumb to more closures.

As a small business retail premium tobacconist, I request your opposition to HB-2158 & HB2270. Both these bills aim to remove the current cigar tax cap of $0.50/cigar which has allowed Oregon premium cigar businesses to stay competitive against the online cigar market. Removing this cap will do more damage than good across the state. Our customers are price sensitive and we as a business cannot afford the increased costs while keeping our doors open. Oregon should be in the business of protecting brick and mortar stores like ours. I request a “NO” vote on these pair of bills so Oregon can continue supporting small business and not succumb to more closures.