Tobacco Tax Re-Emerges To Fund Health Care Programs

Sen. Tom Torlakson (D-Concord) is pursuing legislation (SB 24) to boost funding for health care programs by increasing the state tobacco tax, the Contra Costa Times reports. Because the bill is unlikely to win votes from Republicans who oppose tax increases, Torlakson says he is working to win legislative approval to place the bill on a statewide ballot for voters' consideration.

Torlakson's measure would increase the tax by $1.90 per pack of cigarettes to raise money for:

• Children's health insurance programs;
  
• Smoking cessation programs; and
  
• Other health care programs.