A little bit over three years ago voters in the state of California voted against an increase in the state cigarette tax which would have resulted in a tax increase on other tobacco products such as cigars. Now, according to a report in the San Jose Mercury News the measure could once again be heading to the ballot. The new proposal would raise cigarette taxes by $2.00 per pack and would include electronic cigarettes as well. If the measure is passed it would also carry with it an increase in the cigar tax..
Despite the measure failing to pass three years ago a new poll shows that Californians support an increase by nearly a 2 to 1 margin. If the measure is placed on the ballot it is expected that the presidential election would result in a record turn out for the new proposal.
The official initiative is expected to come from California Attorney General Kamala who is expected to issue the initiative’s official title and summary by Dec. 15. Then the state would have to gather more than 350K voter signatures to qualify it for the November ballots.
The additional revenue if passed will see 82% put towards the states health care system.
