Obama Signs Children’s Healthcare Bill (Reuters, Feb. 4, 2009)
President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed a law expanding a health program to include 3.5 million uninsured children, advancing an overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system despite the embarrassing withdrawal of his nominee to lead the initiative….The expansion is being paid for by raising the federal tax on cigarettes to $1 per pack from the current 39 cent-per-pack tax. Taxes on cigars and other tobacco products will also rise.
30 Cents Per Pack Hike May Be Compromise On Cig Tax (WHAS11 News (ABC) Political Blog, Feb. 3, 2009)
A variety of sources say democratic leaders in Frankfort have settled on a 30 cents-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax combined with more budget cuts as the best way to solve Kentucky's budget problem. The question now is whether Senate republicans will go along with the plan.
Armey, GOP Leaders Criticize Beebe's Tobacco Tax Plan (Associated Press, Feb. 3, 2009)
Republican leaders stepped up their criticism Tuesday of Gov. Mike Beebe's proposed hike in cigarette and chewing tobacco taxes, with the GOP's House leader calling Beebe a "tax and spend" governor.
Budget Proposal Likely To Have New Taxes (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Feb. 2, 2009)
Tobacco users, natural gas drillers and people without health insurance should be all ears Wednesday when Gov. Ed Rendell unveils his $28 billion or so budget for fiscal 2009-10.Faced with red ink that could reach $2.3 billion by June 30, Mr. Rendell is searching for more revenue. He's likely to propose higher cigarette taxes -- perhaps an additional 10 cents per pack, putting the total at $1.45 per pack in Pennsylvania. That's considerably higher than the national average of $1.10 per pack.
Bill limiting tobacco sales introduced on Beacon Hill (The Republican, Feb. 2, 2009)
The Massachusetts Medical Society is pushing for restrictions on the sale of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and other tobacco products in places where health-care professionals work. State Sen. Susan C. Fargo, D-Lincoln, chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, filed legislation on behalf of the society that, if passed, would appear to have its greatest impact at pharmacies where customers can get prescriptions filled and purchase tobacco products.
Cigarette Tax Increase Snuffed Out in House Subcommittee (Roanoke Times & World News, Jan.29 2009)
A House of Delegates subcommittee on Wednesday rejected a cigarette tax increase proposed by Gov. Tim Kaine, delivering a blow to a major piece of the administration's plan to balance the state budget and minimize cuts to the Medicaid program.
Arkansas Gov Rallies Support for Tobacco Tax Hike (The Associated Press, Jan. 26, 2009)
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe and legislative leaders rallied Monday for an $87.8 million hike in cigarette and chewing tobacco taxes, telling supporters they face difficult odds and well-funded opposition from tobacco lobbyists.
