Committee proposes cigarette sales tax

The amendment would levy a sales tax equal to 4 cents per cigarette and 20 percent on other tobacco products. The revenue generated from the tax would then be used for smoking education, cessation programs and health care.

“In addition to increasing access and health care for uninsured smokers, we are keeping a vigilant eye on the future,” said Lori Pickens, committee spokesperson, in a news release. “Decreasing smoking in Missouri will make the biggest impact on the future and the health of this state.”

The proposal targets health care benefits for uninsured smokers, who would pay the tax, and whose chronic health problems, such as emphysema or pneumonia, often are caused or exacerbated by smoking.