Largest Federal Tobacco Tax Increase Takes Effect
On Wednesday, the federal tax on cigarettes increased by about 60 cents. In January, Congress approved the increase as part of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. The state tax on tobacco is about 87 cents a pack, but a bill introduced earlier this month would increase the state tax by $1.50.
- "Smokers, Beginning Wednesday, Face Big Tax Hike on Tobacco" (Irving, Orange County Register, 3/31).
- "Sharp Cigarette Tax Hike Has Inland Smokers Fuming" (Ghiotto, Riverside Press-Enterprise, 3/31).