Tobacco tax expansion
ISSUE SUMMARY
Surveys administered across the country have consistently found overwhelming public support for tax increases on tobacco products. A poll released March 23, 2010 (Public Opinion Strategies) reported that more than two-thirds of Kansas voters would support a tobacco tax hike. The survey of 500 likely Kansas voters showed 69 percent of Kansas voters support raising the tobacco tax by $1 per pack to cut the state’s budget deficit. The support comes from a broad-based coalition of voters, including 71 percent of Republicans, 73 percent of Democrats, and 59 percent of Independents.
States that have significantly increased their tobacco tax have experienced a rise in revenue, helping to balance budgets and fund essential services like health care. Governor Mark Parkinson’s proposed tobacco tax increase would generate about $70 million a year, according to state budget officials.
These are important reasons for the Kansas Legislature to consider raising taxes on tobacco products sold within our borders. However, saving lives and reducing the number of tobacco-related illnesses should be the primary motivation for support of this measure. Throughout the country, states that have raised taxes on tobacco products have seen reduced rates of smoking among youth and adults. Studies have shown that every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes reduces youth smoking by about seven percent and overall cigarette consumption by about four percent.
ADOPTED ACTION OR POLICY
KMS should develop legislative strategies that convey support for increased tax revenues from tobacco products. Additionally, KMS should clearly support the use of this additional revenue solely for statewide health-related issues.
Adopted by the KMS House of Delegates on May 1, 2010.
