The American Cancer Society has led a diverse group of organizations and individual Missourians in filing a proposition with the state (Tobacco Tax Press Release) to increase tobacco taxes with the intent of funding public education, higher education and public health in Missouri.
The measure would seek approval from voters in the state for an 80-cent per pack cigarette tax increase and and equivalent increase on other tobacco products. Revenue from the tax increase would go to local public K-12 schools, colleges and universities across the state, and to programs for quitting tobacco use and for tobacco prevention.
The coalition sponsoring the measure is comprised of medical and public health professionals, education groups, business leaders and community leaders. In addition to saving lives and reducing current and future health care costs due to smoking, the measure would help Missouri’s workforce infrastructure by enhancing education funding for tomorrow’s workers.
