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Framingham-based group lobbies for tax on all tobacco products  

Framingham-based Tobacco Free Massachusetts says it has a plan - and public backing - to provide new revenue for the cash-starved state budget while further limiting tobacco use.

Appearing at a Kick-Butts Day rally at the State House against tobacco use, co-sponsored by MassYouth Against Tobacco, the group gave its backing to legislation that would extend the state's tax on cigarettes to other tobacco products. The tax recently increased by $1 to $2.51 per pack.

Supporters said extending the tax to roll-your-own tobacco, small cigars, and "smokeless," or chewing tobacco, and other related products would create an additional $12 million to $15 million in annual revenue for the state.

Smokers, especially teens, were driven to the less expensive products after last year's tax, Tobacco Free Massachusetts advocates said.

"The really awful thing about this is that companies are attacking these folks," said Sen. Susan Fargo, D-Lincoln, after she addressed hundreds of middle and high school students who campaigned for MassYouth Against Tobacco. "If they can hook them at an early age, they will have them for life. This is a pernicious problem."

Fargo said state budget cuts have limited tobacco control programs. By increasing tax levies on other tobacco products, or OTP's, the state would have more money to battle tobacco addiction.

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