Your Math Problem For Today!

Last year, the U.S. spent $96 BILLION on smoking related diseases and deaths.

In the U.S., the average price for a pack of cigarettes is $5.29, and 21% of all adults smoke.

In New York City, the average price for a pack of cigarettes is $14.50, and 14% of all adults smoke.

O.K. here is the answer we need.  We raise the price to $15.00 everywhere and we save $32 BILLION in healthcare costs, and increase the amount paid into the U.S. Treasury by (your problem) _____________? 

It is a win/win/win for everybody except John Boehner who loses political contributions from Atria and the other cigarette sellers.  And if that gets John to get smoking, it is a win/win all around.