Anti-smoking advocates Communities for a Clean Bill of Health called the compromise "a win for Mississippi" in a statement.

While this proposal would retain the state far below the national average, this agreement is a step in the right direction. A 68 cent cigarette tax will provide much needed revenue for the state while leading to a reduction in youth smoking and general consumption.

"Mississippi cannot continue falling further behind other states on this issue," said Roy Mitchell of the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program. "This cigarette tax increase is an overdue investment that will lead to less smoking by our children and a healthier state."

Increasing the taxes on cigarettes has had a tumultuous history in this year's legislative session, with the increase facing failure several times. The agreement will go before both chambers for votes before proceeding Gov. Haley Barbour for his signature. Legislators hope to offset the bankrupt car tag discount fund with proceeds from the new tax.

Previous Comments

ID

146475

Comment

I'm surprised that there haven't been a lot of comments on this topic yet. I would like to know how those who were for or against the tax increase feel about this decision.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2009-04-29T15:08:56-06:00

ID

146477

Comment

I'm glad to see an increase, but it should have been higher. I was hoping for $1. Haley said $.60. I wish they could have at least gotten a better compromise at $.75 or $.80.

Author

News Junkie

Date

2009-04-29T15:40:49-06:00

ID

146797

Comment

I disagree with the whole cigarette BS. No one forced anyone to smoke so why sue someone for what you did yourself in the first place. Why don't they tax something like McDonalds or Burger King that is killing people. No. Because that would be to hard. This world is not free anymore. We lose another freedom everyday. Robin the Witch.

Author

Robin Gayle

Date

2009-05-05T13:05:38-06:00