Sen. Delpha Baird has introduced Senate Bill 48 to increase the cigarette tax by 25 cents per pack. This increase will put the total tax on a pack of cigarettes at 51.5 cents per pack. The average tax in all states is currently 25.61 cents per pack. This will put Utah as the highest-taxed state in the nation.
Our neighboring states currently have cigarette taxes as follows: Colorado, 20 cents per pack; Wyoming, 12 cents; Idaho, 18 cents; Nevada, 35 cents; and Arizona, 18 cents. The current tax in Utah is 26.5 cents per pack.There certainly must be a more equitable way to raise money than the proposed cigarette tax. I believe I understood Gov. Mike Leavitt to say no new taxes this year. I do hope I read his lips correctly.
Richard Smith
Salt Lake City