Maryland group proposes dime a drink tax to fund programs for the needy

When the recession threatens our peace of mind, many of us turn to alcohol for relief. However, that beer, glass of wine or mixed drink can vary in cost a great deal, based on what state you live in and its alcohol tax rate. An advocacy group in Maryland now is proposing a dime per drink tax on alcohol sales in that state as a way to fund programs for the poor and disabled.

The group, Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, started lobbying state legislators a few weeks ago. Such a tax has been shot down as recently as 2008, and the tax rate on alcohol in the state has not changed in almost 30 years. The group hopes this tax will raise almost a quarter of a billion dollars that could be used to fund programs to help alcohol and drug addicts as well as others dependent on state health programs.