Discouraging smoking and improving health care

On Thursday, March 8, the Iowa Senate voted 34 to 14 to discourage smoking—especially by young people—and to expand access to affordable health care by increasing Iowa’s cigarette tax by one dollar per pack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGzROza9pbk




It is estimated that 36,000 Iowa young people will never become addicted to tobacco thanks to this tax and more than 20,000 adults will quit. This vote will make Iowa a healthier, more family friendly place to live.

Senate File 128 increases Iowa’s tax on cigarettes by one dollar a pack, making the total tax $1.36 a pack, up from 36 cents a pack, one of the lowest in the country. This is the first increase in 16 years. The additional state revenue will be used to expand access to affordable health care, including substance abuse treatment and helping smokers kick the habit.

Even with this increase, the total amount raised by Iowa’s cigarette tax will still be far less than the estimated $301 million Iowa taxpayers spend each year on Medicaid costs due to smoking related illnesses and disease. The real benefits to the state, communities, and families will come from discouraging smoking by young people and adults.

According to the American Cancer Society, 20 percent of Iowa high school students and 20 percent of Iowa adults smoke. Public opinion polls have found that more than 70 percent of Iowans favor increasing taxes on cigarettes, including more than half of smokers.

AUDIO: Opening Statement: Senator Matt McCoy dedicates debate to Iowa's Youth.
0:56 MP3 WAV