The Louisiana House Ways and Means Committee will take into consideration this morning a proposal that would raise Louisiana's tax on cigarettes. The state's current tax on a pack of cigarettes is currently .36 cents. If the proposal is approved and sent to the the full house that amount could rise to $1.54 per pack. Many observers feel this proposal has an excellent chance of passing through committee and on to the full body of the legislature.

It's unfortunate that the health of Louisiana citizens may not be the driving force behind this proposal. Like most things that pass through legislature money is the driving force. With the state already in a budget crisis, a tax increase on cigarettes would be a quick and easy way to raise money. Stasha Rhodes with the American Heart Association says the benefits could be twofold.

"Obviously the opportunity to fix some of the budget woes presents this as a probable solution,"

The revenue generated from the increased tax won't be the only benefit the state might see.

"Health care cost savings from fewer smoking caused lung cancer would be 7-million dollars, health care cost savings from fewer smoking caused heart attacks and strokes would be 15.4 million dollars."

Rhodes comments were reported in a story published by the Louisiana Radio Network.

If you're interested in the  math the current budget shortfall for the state is $1.6 billion dollars. It is estimated the change in cigarette taxes would generate an additional $223 million dollars for the state's coffers.  This one tax increase could make up almost 14% of the state's budget shortfall.

 

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