Voters could decide on higher cigarette tax

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Associated Press

Story Created: Sat Apr 28, 2012 1:39 PM

Story Updated: Sat Apr 28, 2012 1:39 PM

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Smoking could get more costly as some seeking to raise Missouri's lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax expect to submit signatures this week to put the issue before voters.

     
Groups trying to get initiatives before voters must submit signatures to the secretary of state's office by May 6.
     
The tobacco tax proposal would increase Missouri's cigarette tax by 73 cents per pack while steering additional money to education and smoking prevention and cessation. Taxes on other tobacco products also would be increased. The current cigarette tax is 17 cents.
     
The American Cancer Society says a higher tax would help curtail teen smoking and get adults to quit.
     
Opponents say there already are several taxes on cigarettes. They say Missouri's lower tax helps attract customers from neighbor states to also buy other products.