For more information: Jim Lesczynski, Media Relations Director

LIBERTARIANS GIVE AWAY FREE CIGARETTES TO OVERTAXED NEW YORK SMOKERS

NEW YORK, NY -- (04/10/2002; 1100)(EIS) -- Fuming at the rush to dump new sin taxes on smokers in New York City, the Manhattan Libertarian Party announced a new program of free cigarettes for the masses.

"We want to send a message to the politically marginalized in New York that we stand by them," says Jim Lesczynski, media relations director for the Manhattan Libertarian Party, "so we're putting our money -- and our cigarettes -- where our mouth is."

Lesczynski says the Manhattan LP will give a free pack of premium-brand cigarettes to anyone who wants them. Smokers can claim their free pack by attending the next monthly meeting of the Manhattan Libertarian Party next Wednesday, April 17th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Kennedy's Restaurant, 327 West 57th Street.

The Libertarians credit the inspiration for the Great Cigarette Giveaway to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed 1,775-percent tax increase on cigarettes from 8 cents to a $1.50 per pack. Bloomberg's scheme is in addition to the 39-cent hike in the state cigarette tax to $1.50, which took effect last month. If Bloomberg's plan is approved, it would put the cost of cigarettes in New York City over $7 a pack.

To ensure that the government does not profit from the giveaway, Lesczynski reveals that the Libertarians are purchasing their cigarettes from New York-based Indian reservations.

"The last thing we want to do is put even more money into the greedy hands of our elected officials," Lesczynski explains. "We are purchasing all of our cigarettes for the giveaway from tax-free websites hosted by the Native Americans of New York State. A carton of cigarettes in New York City currently retails for a minimum of $51. We bought ours for only $30 a carton online."

Former Manhattan Borough President candidate Scott Jeffrey, who is seeking the Libertarian Party's nomination for governor, had sharp words for the tax-happy politicians in Albany and City Hall.

"The Democrats and Republicans love these so-called sin taxes," says Jeffrey. "Smoking tobacco may be unhealthy, but it is no sin. The only sin is the tax burden New Yorkers already shoulder -- the highest in the nation. I'd like to see the medical study that demonstrates that impoverishing our city's hard-working citizens somehow improves their health."

In addition to free cigarettes, smokers attending next week's Manhattan LP meeting will have the opportunity to hear guest speaker Audrey Silk, founder of NYC C.L.A.S.H. (Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment) and a member of the Manhattan Libertarian Party. "The mayor's insistence on no tax increases in all other areas, while acting as if a cigarette tax increase doesn't count, is tantamount to dismissing cigarette smokers as second-class citizens who aren't worthy of inclusion in city concerns," Silk charges. "We oppose, and question the constitutionality of, this draconian measure."

Seating is limited for the meeting. For further details, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the Manhattan LP website at www.ManhattanLP.org.