Washington Advocates Propose Highest Cigarette Tax in U.S. April 2, 2001
News Summary
A coalition of anti-tobacco groups filed a ballot initiative that would raise cigarette taxes in the state of Washington to the highest among all U.S. states, the Seattle Times reported March 27.Under the initiative, the state tax on cigarettes would be raised by 60 cents per pack, increasing the total cigarette tax to nearly $1.43 per pack. Other tobacco products would receive similar increases.
The initiative calls for the estimated $135 million raised from the tax increase to be used for expanding enrollment in the state's Basic Health Program, which provides healthcare coverage to low-income residents. The additional tax revenue also would go towards increasing tobacco prevention and control programs.
Brendan McCormick, national spokesman for tobacco company Philip Morris, said the initiative is unfair. "We think if programs are worth funding, they should be paid by everyone, rather than just smokers," McCormick said.
Currently, Washington has the nation's fourth-highest cigarette tax, behind New York, Alaska and Hawaii.
Organizations in the coalition that are supporting the ballot initiative include the American Lung Association, state chapters of the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
The ballot initiative is expected to go before voters in the fall.
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