Push for tobacco tax increase continues at State Capitol
JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) - Nearly 23 percent of Mississippi adults light up on a regular basis. And they pay a pretty low tax compared to other states. But there's a push to hike the cost of that pack of cigarettes.
The idea of raising taxes isn't something you'll often hear a bi-partisan call at the State Capitol. But the tobacco tax seems to be the exception.
"This is a common sense approach to improving the health care in our state," said Senator Brice Wiggins. "How can we ignore that?"
Three Senate bills are pending that would raise the cigarette tax by $1.50. A House proposal is for a dollar hike. The state Medical Association says it's a win-win for the state's pocketbook and overall health.
"We know as prices go up, smoking use goes down," described Dr. Bill Grantham, President of Mississippi State Medical Association. "Also, it will increase revenues to the state for those who still do smoke."
Read more: http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/37519399/push-for-tobacco-tax-increase-continues-at-state-capitol
