Anti-tobacco groups target smokers for a buck a pack

(CONCORD) A coalition of anti-tobacco groups is looking to smokers to pay an extra dollar per pack in tobacco taxes to help pay for smoking prevention programs. The Tobacco Free NH Coalition is supporting HB 638, which would increase in the state tobacco tax from $1.33 per pack to $2.33 per pack, and would dedicate the first nickel per pack to a state cancer plan.

Representative Bill Butynski (D-Hinsdale) argues that New Hampshire isn't spending enough to help adults kick the habit, or keep teenagers from picking it up. The Coalition argues that spending money on tobacco prevention will save health care dollars in the long run.

"There is no greater return on investment than from investing in tobacco use prevention. With so much of our health care costs due to smoking related diseases, there are serious consequences to doing nothing to prevent smoking and to not helping the majority of smokers who want to quit," said Susan Martore-Baker, Chair for the American Lung Association of New Hampshire.

The Granite State raised its tobacco tax by $.25 per pack in October, and the current tariff of $1.33 per pack ranks 22nd in the nation. The American Lung Association gave New Hampshire an "F" for Tobacco Prevention and Control Spending on its 2008 Tobacco Report Card, citing just over $1 million in state spending, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that New Hampshire spend over $19 million per year. The American Lung Association gives New Hampshire a "D" for Smokefree Air, despite extensive smoking bans and restrictions in public buildings, private workplaces, public schools, restaurants, and bars.

Bill supporters estimate that raising the tax by $1 per pack would generate $50 million in annual revenue, with $2.5 million going to the cancer plan. The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids projects that the tax increase would cut youth smoking by 15.5%, and push 7,000 New Hampshire adults to quit. It says that increasing tobacco taxes cuts cigarette sales, but not enough to wipe out the increased revenues per pack. The Legislative Budget Assistant has not yet completed its estimate of how such a tax increase would impact New Hampshire revenues. The House Ways and Means Committee has not yet scheduled a public hearing on the proposal.