Tobacco tax increase in proposed budget passes in committee

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - A part two budget has been a hot topic in recent days in Augusta. Thursday night, the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved a cigarette tax increase as part of the proposed budget.

The Governor’s initial proposal was a $1 per pack increase. The committee passed a $1.50 increase which would bring the total tax on a pack of cigarettes to $3.50.

This would be the first time in over 20 years the state has raised its tobacco tax. There would also be a corresponding tax increase for other tobacco products.

Public health advocates support the increase as they say it will decrease the use of tobacco, particularly with young Mainers.

Republican leadership says the current budget as is will receive no Republican votes, and the tax is an attack on poor people.

“Maine people need to recognize who’s doing what here, and the reality is that Democrats are spending, spending, spending more of your money on their pet projects and are now going to be taxing you more, and that’s going to be done totally on a partisan basis without a single Republican vote,” answered Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, R-Aroostook.

“We know one in five Maine high-schoolers are currently using tobacco products,” said Associate Director for the Maine Public Health Association Matt Wellington. “It’s a huge problem in schools. We’re hearing from teachers, parents and school officials that tobacco use is absolutely rampant, and it’s derailing kid’s futures, their academics, their social lives and so this is an important step, it’s also long overdue.”

The budget proposal remains in committee.

After discussion there, it will eventually move to the House floor for the first round of voting.

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