Significantly increase the tax on alcohol

Raising the tax on alcohol would improve health, reduce health care expendatures, and raise revenues. Alcohol kills over 100000 Americans each year. Half of the alcohol consumed is done by problem drinkers. 30% of Americans do not drink alcohol. More than 10% of Americans have alcohol abuse or dependence. Use of harmful, addicting products falls with increased price even in those dependent on the substance. The government would raise money that could go towards balancing the budget while also reducing health care and other related costs. (missed work, disability payments, criminal justice system costs, policing costs......). The present tax on alcohol does not begin to cover cost that its use and abuse adds to the Federal Budget.