Advocates, lawmakers propose increased cigarette tax

going back to the well.

good lord. why not $10 per pack? why not $50? $100?

Advocates, lawmakers propose increased cigarette tax



(The Center Square) – Anti-tobacco advocates and state officials across the country are proposing an increased tax on cigarette packs.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids published an annual report tracking the landmark 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, a $206 billion settlement agreement between U.S. states and four major tobacco companies to settle lawsuits over smoking-related deaths.

The settlement is designed to fund anti-smoking initiatives in states across the country. However, the report found that many states are falling short of fully funding tobacco prevention programs. In fiscal year 2026, total state funding for programs allocated was 3.4% of the $21.7 billion set aside this year.


The campaign called on state legislatures to raise taxes on cigarette packs by $1.50 per pack. Advocates said this increase would generate $6 billion in new revenue to invest in programs that decrease tobacco use across the country.

The report comes as state legislatures across the country are considering tax increases on cigarette packs. In Utah, legislators are considering a bill that would raise the tax on cigarettes by $2 per pack. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also called for a $2 tax increase in the state’s 2027 budget.

“We know states are facing budget shortfalls because of the cuts into federal public health programs, including Medicaid,” said Vince Willmore, vice president of communications at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “So this is really a win-win solution for states.”

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