West Lafayette schools, for example, could face teacher reductions if the state budget doesn't provide the guaranteed 2 percent increase for districts that aren't growing. That's going to mean cuts to go along with any tax increase, Mr. Governor. On its own, a cigarette tax hike of some amount isn't a bad idea. Indiana now collects 15.5 cents on each pack sold, which ranks the state 44th in the nation. According to 1999 statistics provided by the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids, Indiana ranks ninth in the nation in the percentage of adults who smoke, coming in at 26 percent.
Price is a deterrent to kids picking up a nasty habit.
The reasons for a modest tax increase on cigarettes are there. O'Bannon might have had an easier sell if he'd tied tobacco taxes to Medicare or any other health care cost also endangered in the state budget fight. Click here to submit a letter online. Terms of Service Contact us with comments, concerns, or questions. Inc. A Gannett Site.