Local smokers and non-smokers are divided over the state Senate’s proposed cigarette tax increase of 50 cents per pack. Many smokers are skeptical of the plan, say it is unfair and won’t work. “It does not make any sense,” 20-year smoker Greg Goodwin said. Goodwin said although cigarettes are about $4 a pack, a 50-cent increase won’t cause him to stop smoking. “It is always costly,” he said. “Eventually, I will quit. Because they ... Jump to full article >>

Lawmakers are scheduled to vote this week on a bill that could increase the price of cigarettes by $2 a pack. Senators decided to vote on Bill 150 last night after discussing the bill for several hours. Sen. Benjamin Cruz, an author of the bill, said it will be voted on by Friday. If Bill 150 becomes a law, new taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products will take effect 60 days later. The current $1 tax on cigarettes will climb to $3 and the ... Jump to full article >>

Indian sellers would get larger price advantage Just days after a senior administration official dismissed as “rumor” talk of another increase in the state’s cigarette tax, Gov. David A. Paterson on Sunday floated the idea of raising the tax in an upstate radio interview. The prospect of raising the state’s current $2.75-per-pack excise tax would give Indian retailers an even larger price advantage over non-Indian stores. Paterson has ... Jump to full article >>

The Ministry of Health has given the clearest signal yet that the Government is likely to increase the tobacco tax to help reduce the number of people who smoke. Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia, who sits outside the Cabinet, last year spoke supportively of tobacco tax increases in a speech that has put pressure on the Government on a range of tobacco policies. Increasing the tax was “worth exploring if we are genuine about wanting ... Jump to full article >>