Proposed Tobacco Tax Increase Fails in Committee
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Part of Governor Robert Bentley’s push to fix the budget crisis- changes to the tobacco tax. Not only would it increase but also expand to include e-cigarettes and vapor products.
A legislative committee just voted down the proposal, but it could come up again.
Today about one hundred people attended a rally outside of the statehouse hoping to make that plan go up in smoke. The Breathe Easier Alliance of Alabama held the press conference. They rallied about one hundred people to meet individual with their state legislators hoping to drum up opposition of the tax.
Jake Waitzman, President Breathe Easier Alliance of Alabama said, “It would tax that carton $2.50 but it would tax the equivalent in electronic cigarettes $7.50. So, vaping has always been, if you believe what we believe in the business as vapors, more healthy than smoking, and a great smoking cessation product, it’s also always been cheaper, so it’s always been a no brainer. If you smoke you can make a better financial and healthier choice for yourself.”
The tax increase failed in committee in a close 8-7 vote. But lawmakers could try again, the committee is scheduled to meet again Tuesday afternoon.
