Tweet The Assembly Taxation Committee held a hearing Tuesday on AB 333, which calls for an increase on all alcohol and tobacco products. Democratic Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce said proposed increase in sin taxes really isn’t that dramatic. “We’re talking about six cents on a bottle of wine,” said Pierce. No one would even notice that or even a 45 cent hike on high end liquor.” The state hasn’t raised taxes on t ... Jump to full article >>

Tweet The sale of smuggled cigarettes in Spain has soared since the government raised the tax rate on tobacco, a spokesman for Franco-Spanish tobacco producer Altadis said Monday. The company estimates smuggled cigarettes accounted for around six percent of Spain’s total cigarette consumption during the first three months of the year, compared to just one percent in all of 2010, the spokesman said. The problem is especially high in the sout ... Jump to full article >>

Tweet Democrats held an informational meeting on raising the cigarette tax in Idaho by $1.25 per pack, a move forced by the Republican Party’s refusal to schedule a hearing. About 60 people attended Monday’s session. Democrats want a tax hike from 57 cents per pack now to help reduce smoking – and raise money to fund programs being cut, including public schools and Medicaid. Republicans, even those who also favor a cigarette tax ... Jump to full article >>

Tweet Georgia doctors gathered today at the Capitol to encourage Congress to increase the state tax on cigarettes by one dollar per pack. The physicians spoke at the Capitol on Wednesday on behalf of the Bump It Up A Buck campaign. They delivered one thousand petitions to the Governor’s office arguing for the $1 hike. “Tobacco has no redeeming qualities,” said Dr. Harry Heiman of Morehouse Medical School at the press conference. “There i ... Jump to full article >>

Tweet BOISE, Idaho (AP) – Support among Idaho lawmakers for a proposed increase in the state’s tobacco tax could hinge on whether tribal retailers agree to impose the same tax on cigarettes sold at stores on reservations across the state. Lawmakers are preparing legislation that would raise the state tax on cigarettes by $1.25 per pack, one of only a few potential sources of new revenue being considered during the 2011 Legislature. The Le ... Jump to full article >>