Excise Taxes

State

Health groups aim to boost Idaho cigarette tax (ID)
The Idaho chapters of the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids have proposed raising the state's cigarette tax to reduce smoking rates, especially among youth. Idaho's current tax of 57 cents per pack ranks among the lowest nationwide. Proponents of the tax increase cite the public health benefits as the primary reason to raise taxes, with the benefits to the state budget as a secondary reason. The proposal is expected to meet a significant amount of opposition from members of the newly elected Idaho Legislature who are against raising taxes in general, as well as from retailers who believe that their businesses will be negatively affected. Click here to read more. Related: Idahoans favor big cigarette tax hike A new poll of Idaho voters indicates that 73% would favor raising the state's cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack. Those that favored the increase said they would like the funds raised by the tax to support programs that reduce youth tobacco use, help tobacco users quit, and prevent cuts to Medicaid programs. Click here for more details.

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