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Should NH raise the tax on cigarettes to help fund health care services?

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This November, voters in California will consider Proposition 56, a ballot measure that would increase the state’s cigarette tax by $2, with the proceeds going to fund tobacco cessation services and Medi-Cal, the state’s low income health care program.

California is not the only state considering raising cigarette taxes. Similar measures are on the ballot in Colorado, North Dakota, and Missouri.

Currently, New Hampshire taxes cigarettes at a rate of $1.78 for a pack of 20 or $2.23 for a pack of 25. Other tobacco products are taxed at a rate of 65.03% of their wholesale price. Premium cigars are exempted from the tax. The Granite State is ranked 20th in the nation for highest cigarette tax. 

An attempt to raise the cigarette tax in New Hampshire failed in 2015. More recently, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Colin Van Ostern has called for an increase to the cigarette tax to fund full-day kindergarten.

Proponents of raising cigarette taxes argue that smokers are more likely to require additional health services, and that it is therefore fair for them to make an additional contribution to funding the state health system. Others point to evidence that raising cigarette taxes encourages people to quit or reduce their consumption.

Opponents counter that the choice to smoke is a personal matter, and that the tax would essentially amount to a fine on the behavior. Some also argue that raising cigarette taxes unfairly impacts the poor.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.

 

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