It increases the tax on cigarettes, provides hundreds of millions of dollars for children's programs and aims at reducing the number of teenagers who smoke. As a public policy issue, Prop. 10 is a clear winner. Most of the money would fund childhood development programs, including immunization, nutrition and education.
Nothing insures the future health of our society better than improving the lot of our kids.
Save a truant, prevent a career criminal. 10 would impose a tax of 50 cents a pack on cigarettes. The additional tax is expected to discourage new smokers, especially teenagers. If any measure on the ballot ought to make you feel good about your vote and about the future of California, this is it. 10 enunciates the power of the people to make a difference.