The Senate has shot down a proposal that would tie the state's cigarette tax to inflation.
Led by Lexington Sen. Nikki Setzler, lawmakers argued that the General Assembly ought to vote on every tax increase.
Supporters of indexing the tax said it would make sure the tax revenue kept pace with medical costs. In addition, they noted it has been 31 years since the tax was raised and could be many years before the issue is debated again.
The Senate has tentatively agreed to spend the $160 million raised by the proposed 50-cent per pack increase on expanding health care coverage for the uninsured.
Just like our state to support bad health and promote cancer! I feel like a dollar a pack tax is not enough, let the farmers grow corn it is supposed to be the new money crop.
Posted by: Robert Bush | 08 May 2008 at 11:42 AM