Sinful Taxes

Cook County has had high gas taxes for years, but the rise in the overall price the last several months has apparently pushed more people to drive less or drive out of the county for their gas. Sun Times:

Fewer people are buying cigarettes and gasoline in Cook County, and county government is starting to feel the pinch. Records to be released today show the county is on pace to fall almost $77 million short in its budget. The county will re-evaluate its spending at a meeting next week.

As far as cigarettes, it might have something to do with the county's move to ban smoking in public places. An unintended consequence for the board, which apparently hates the sinner but loves the sin. That distinction may be on the way out.

At least taxpayers may be spared the hypocrisy when they pony up for the inevitable tax increase somewhere else.