Massachusetts is at it again, this time flavored cigars are under attack with the Senate passing a tobacco tax increase to 210% on flavored cigars.
According to Senator Jason Lewis, a Democrat from Winchester, the use of flavored tobacco has jumped 4,000 percent since 2006. Because of this number and the attraction to younger people he had an amendment attached to the state budget that will raise the tax rom the current 40%.
Unflavored cigars would not be hit with the increase.
The amendment passed on a 26-13 vote with the vote pretty much on party lines. However, it has caused an issue between the House and the Senate since revenue bills must originate in the House.
In order for the higher tax to become law, both House and Senate would have to agreed to it and the governor would have to sign it.
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