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Prevention Action Alliance
We
Should Raise Taxes on Cigarettes
In January, the outgoing Ohio Department of Health Director Lance Himes
recommended that lawmakers consider a tax on cigarettes and other
tobacco products, including nicotine liquids and e-cigarettes.
“Increasing the price of tobacco is the single most proven strategy for
decreasing youth initiation and smoking prevalence,” Himes wrote in his
budget request. “Decreasing tobacco use will help improve the health of
Ohioans and the state will realize considerable healthcare savings.”
Himes also wrote that these funds would provide sustainable funding for
ODH’s tobacco prevention programs. It’s important to note—as Himes
did—that the legislature stopped contributing general fund revenues for
ODH’s Tobacco Program.
Himes is right to seek taxes on tobacco products, including the
currently tax-free e-cigarettes, as we wrote about last week. Taxes on
these products are proven to reduce the rates of smoking among youth,
young adults, and people from a lower socioeconomic status.
Ohio’s taxes on cigarettes are 24th in the country, according to the
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, at $1.60 per pack. The national average
is $1.79 per pack. New York has the highest tax levied by a state at
$4.35 (Washington D.C.’s is higher at $4.50).
We implore the Ohio legislature to seriously consider raising taxes on
cigarettes. We also ask that they provide general fund revenues for
tobacco prevention and cessation. We’re fond of saying that everyone
has a role in prevention. Providing proper regulations and supporting
prevention are two of the ways our legislators can do their part.
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