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Independence, MO —
Missouri ranks last in the United States when it comes to how much tax is charged in tobacco products. Next week, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to change that.
Proposition B is one of four measures on the Nov. 6 ballot. It seeks to increase the state’s tobacco tax from 17 cents per pack to 90 cents, a 73-cent increase. It would also increase taxes on cigars and “roll-your-own” tobacco. If approved, Missouri would have the 33rd highest tobacco tax in the country. New York comes in at the top of the pack, charging $4.35 per pack. Kansas currently has a 79-cent tax on cigarettes.
“We’re not going to stop everyone, but most Missourians do want to quit,” said Misty Snodgrass, government relations director for the American Cancer Society. “This is truly about saving lives and keeping kids from ever starting to smoke.”
The national average is $1.46 per pack.
This will be the third time that voters are being asked to approve an increase in the tobacco cost. However, unlike the previous two elections, the tobacco industry is not opposing the increase. In addition to increasing the cigarette tax, the measure removes a loophole that allowed “value” brands or lesser-known cigarette manufacturers to recoup money they paid into a state fund, which was created to offset costs associated with smoking-related illnesses.
The tax also means big dollars for the state, specifically to public schools and higher education. The estimated $283 million in new revenue generated from the sales tax increase will be divided among public schools, higher education and the creating of smoking cessation programs.
Proposition B has been endorsed by a number of state and national organizations including the Missouri School Boards’ Association, the American Cancer Society, the America Heart Association and the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, among others.
“Our children’s future depend on healthy living and quality education, both of which are supported by Proposition B,” said Allan Markley, superintendent of the Raytown School District and president of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City Board. “As educators, parents and concerned citizens, we believe it is important to keep cigarettes out of the hands of children and Proposition B will help do so by increasing the country’s lowest tobacco tax.”
Opposed to Proposition B is the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. In its campaign to vote no on the proposition, the association is touting that the 760-percent tax increase is “outrageous and unfair.” The 760-percent tax increase comes from the 73 cents attached to all tobacco products and an additional 57 cents that would be included on all lower-end or value-brand cigarettes.
Missouri ranks last in the United States when it comes to how much tax is charged in tobacco products. Next week, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to change that.
Proposition B is one of four measures on the Nov. 6 ballot. It seeks to increase the state’s tobacco tax from 17 cents per pack to 90 cents, a 73-cent increase. It would also increase taxes on cigars and “roll-your-own” tobacco. If approved, Missouri would have the 33rd highest tobacco tax in the country. New York comes in at the top of the pack, charging $4.35 per pack. Kansas currently has a 79-cent tax on cigarettes.
“We’re not going to stop everyone, but most Missourians do want to quit,” said Misty Snodgrass, government relations director for the American Cancer Society. “This is truly about saving lives and keeping kids from ever starting to smoke.”
The national average is $1.46 per pack.
This will be the third time that voters are being asked to approve an increase in the tobacco cost. However, unlike the previous two elections, the tobacco industry is not opposing the increase. In addition to increasing the cigarette tax, the measure removes a loophole that allowed “value” brands or lesser-known cigarette manufacturers to recoup money they paid into a state fund, which was created to offset costs associated with smoking-related illnesses.
The tax also means big dollars for the state, specifically to public schools and higher education. The estimated $283 million in new revenue generated from the sales tax increase will be divided among public schools, higher education and the creating of smoking cessation programs.
Proposition B has been endorsed by a number of state and national organizations including the Missouri School Boards’ Association, the American Cancer Society, the America Heart Association and the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, among others.
“Our children’s future depend on healthy living and quality education, both of which are supported by Proposition B,” said Allan Markley, superintendent of the Raytown School District and president of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City Board. “As educators, parents and concerned citizens, we believe it is important to keep cigarettes out of the hands of children and Proposition B will help do so by increasing the country’s lowest tobacco tax.”
Opposed to Proposition B is the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. In its campaign to vote no on the proposition, the association is touting that the 760-percent tax increase is “outrageous and unfair.” The 760-percent tax increase comes from the 73 cents attached to all tobacco products and an additional 57 cents that would be included on all lower-end or value-brand cigarettes.
Among the group’s biggest arguments is that there is no guarantee the Proposition B funds will go to education. Because this is an initiative petition and not a constitution amendment, the legislature in fact could alter what the voters approve.
In addition, opponents to the measure feel that increasing the tax will eliminate Missouri’s competitive advantage in the tobacco market and ultimately will cost the state millions of dollars in sales tax revenue.
“People who come from Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee and Kentucky to buy cigarettes also do things like fill up their cars,” said Ron Leone, executive director of the MPMCSA. “If Prop B passes, they stay home. They’re not doing all of these other things.”
Regardless of what is behind said by opponents to Proposition B, many local leaders are in favor of the proposal.
“This could have a very significant financial impact on us,” said Independence Superintendent Jim Hinson. “But while we certainly welcome that, the most important use of the additional funds is for smoking cessation programs that prevent kids and adults from smoking.”
For more information on either side of the Proposition B debate visit, showmeabrighterfuture.com or nomotax.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
