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The Spokesman-Review

On May 1 our state will become a little healthier. That’s when an increase in the tobacco tax, passed by lawmakers during the recent legislative session, takes effect.

It’s easy to see why legislators voted to raise the tobacco tax: It’s supported by 70 percent of voters. Lawmakers used the nearly $100 million in new revenue that will be generated by the tax to balance the state budget.

But they had plenty of other reasons to support it:

•Youth smoking rates will drop by 10.8 percent.

•38,400 kids won’t become addicted adult smokers.

•19,200 adults will quit smoking.

•It will prevent over 17,000 premature deaths.

•We’ll see $854 million in long-term health savings, including fewer smoking-affected pregnancies and births and few smoking-caused heart attacks and strokes.

Whatever their reason, I thank legislators for supporting an increase in the tobacco tax and making Washington a healthier place to live.

Ruth and Jerry Pechin

Evans, Wash.

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