Proposal Would Increase Tobacco Tax [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD — Smoking in Minnesota could soon become an expensive addiction.

Governor Mark Dayton announced his revised budget proposal, which includes a cigarette tax increase of .94 cents per pack.

The tax would lead to an additional $370 million in revenue for the next two years.

Let’s Talk Tobacco is a non-profit organization in Waite Park. Spokeswoman, Lisa – who declined to give her last name – says taxing tobacco use provides reliable revenue because of people’s addiction.

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Tobacco taxes have traditionally been met with bipartisan approval. Lisa says taxing cigarettes is always an easy target for lawmakers.

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Taxes are not the only campaign aimed at reduced smoking habits in Minnesota.

St. Cloud State University has taken a public stance on the issue. Last year the university limited smoking to designated areas on campus. The school became a complete tobacco-free campus in August.

Organizations like Let’s Talk Tobacco can provide resources for smokers and those looking to quit, alike. Lisa says the industry should not be given such a bad label.

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A few lawmakers have suggested raising the cigarette tax by $1.60 per pack. If the proposed tax increase would be passed, cigarette costs in Minnesota would be higher than each neighboring state.

Currently, Minnesota’s tobacco tax is below the national average.