New cigarette tax ruled unconstitutional!

Minnesota's new 75-cent-per-pack charge on cigarettes was struck down Tuesday by a Ramsey County judge, potentially punching a big hole in the state budget.

As part of a budget approved this summer, lawmakers were counting on more than $400 million over two years from the so-called health impact fee.

This is great news! I am glad that the Judge didn't allow this pathetic excuse for a tax to continue. The state should not have tried to call this tax a "fee". they should also stop trying to balance the budget on the backs of smokers.

Update: This deal just keeps getting better! Now we owe the tobacco companies $100 million!

If the ruling stands, the state would be required to reimburse tobacco companies for money collected since the fee became effective in August. Tobacco distributors said Tuesday that figure may already exceed $100 million.

This is also probably can't be overturned by the Supreme Court.

He said a standard clause in most contracts will either give an arbitrator or a court the final jurisdiction as a way to settle disputes over interpretation. After re-reading the settlement agreement Tuesday night, Schultz said he believes the Ramsey court decision will be regarded as final.

I usually support Pawlenty, but he deserves to have his ass handed to him for this bonehead move. Call a tax a tax you moron!