Smokers, retailers upset with cigarette tax proposal
Jump to full article: Lawrence (MA) Eagle-Tribune, 2009-06-19
Author: James A. Kimble
Intro: Smokers have a clear message they want to send to lawmakers about upping the cigarette tax: Don't do it.
The Legislature is considering raising New Hampshire's cigarette tax by 45 cents a pack to help patch a $650 million revenue gap. If the bill passes, New Hampshire's tax would be $1.78 per pack.
New Hampshire would remain the cheapest state in New England to buy cigarettes even if lawmakers pass the 45-cent increase, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
But the gap would certainly be narrowed, especially for people who travel to the Granite State to buy their smokes.
A special House-Senate committee agreed to the 45-cent increase Wednesday.
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