Perata’s Tobacco Tax Will Harm Kids’ Programs

Early childhood education advocates are gearing up to oppose ex-state Senator Don Perata’s $1 tobacco tax because it would siphon much-needed funds from kids’ programs, the Trib reports. A previous statewide tax initiative sponsored by Hollywood director Rob Reiner had earmarked funds for the kids’ programs, but Perata’s new hefty tax will likely depress cigarette sales, thereby resulting in less tax revenue for early childhood education.