SACRAMENTO - Health groups and some lawmakers are pushing to raise California's cigarette tax to help boost Medi-cal revenue and reduce teen smoking.
Some state senators have recently spoken in favor of increasing tobacco taxes next year. They're looking at a $2 per pack raise.
Health experts estimate nearly four million people smoke cigarettes in California. The bill would raise the tax on each individual cigarette by ten cents.
Supporters of the measure say they hope it keeps our next generation of kids from being seduced into smoking.
"California actually has one of the lowest tobacco tax rates in the nation. And, we're one of only three states that hasn't raised its tobacco tax since the year 2000. So, an increase is really long overdue to catch up with the rest of the country," said Jim Knox, Vice President, American Cancer Society.
Knox says millions of dollars raised from the tax could offset Medi-cal expenses to help treat tobacco-related illnesses.
Opponents of the cigarette tax say raising the tax will encourage consumers to stockpile cigarettes before the increase. And, higher tax rates may produce lower revenue as people change their behavior.
But, legislative leaders have been reluctant to raise more taxes this session.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has already tabled bills that would raise taxes on soda, oil production, and plastic bags.
Some state senators have recently spoken in favor of increasing tobacco taxes next year. They're looking at a $2 per pack raise.
Health experts estimate nearly four million people smoke cigarettes in California. The bill would raise the tax on each individual cigarette by ten cents.
Supporters of the measure say they hope it keeps our next generation of kids from being seduced into smoking.
"California actually has one of the lowest tobacco tax rates in the nation. And, we're one of only three states that hasn't raised its tobacco tax since the year 2000. So, an increase is really long overdue to catch up with the rest of the country," said Jim Knox, Vice President, American Cancer Society.
Knox says millions of dollars raised from the tax could offset Medi-cal expenses to help treat tobacco-related illnesses.
Opponents of the cigarette tax say raising the tax will encourage consumers to stockpile cigarettes before the increase. And, higher tax rates may produce lower revenue as people change their behavior.
But, legislative leaders have been reluctant to raise more taxes this session.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has already tabled bills that would raise taxes on soda, oil production, and plastic bags.