Imagine having a goal of getting more people to stop smoking – and yet still maintain health care programs that are heavily dependent on cigarette taxes. Well, mission accomplished, thanks to that $1-a-pack tax passed back in July that helped balance the state budget.
Statewide, cigarette sales are off 27 percent – in four months. But the new tax, according to economists’ forecasts, will raise nearly $900 million this year.
So, smart surtax move, legislators – one that is critical to the funding of Medicaid. And to those who are still resistant to admonitions about the proven dangers associated with tobacco: At least for now, thanks for smoking.