A Democratic legislator is proposing a nearly fourfold increase in the state's cigarette tax, a measure that the General Assembly's dominant Republicans have labeled as dead at birth.
A bill by Delegate Patrick Hope, of Arlington, would increase the per-pack tax on cigarettes from 30 cents to $1.45. It would increase the excise tax on other tobacco products from 10 percent of the wholesale price to 50 percent.
Ninety-two percent of the revenue, or about $265 million a year, would be directed to city and county governments to provide relief for the personal property tax on private cars and pickup trucks.
About $23 million a year from the tax would be used for smoking prevention and cessation programs.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
