Fate Of Automatic Tobacco Hike In Dayton’s Hands

ST. PAUL (AP) — Cigarette smokers in Minnesota would catch a break if Gov. Mark Dayton signs into law a tax package that includes a provision rolling back automatic hikes in the state's tobacco tax.

When the DFL-controlled Legislature hiked the cigarette tax in 2013, it included an automatic yearly increase in Minnesota per-pack tobacco tax.

The Republican-controlled House this year sought to undo that. Rep. Greg Davids, who chairs the House tax committee, says the automatic inflator is "on autopilot" and "out of control."

Dayton criticized the provision this week, saying it was tucked into the tax bill without his knowledge. But under state law, Dayton could only strike down the new provision by vetoing the entire tax bill.

He's expected to make a decision next week.