Higher Cig Tax Faces Tobacco Lobby

StateImpact notes that Idaho Rep. Dennis Lake, R-Blackfoot, plans to propose legislation to raise the state tax on cigarettes from $1.25 per pack from 57 cents to $1.82. Similar legislation was considered last year. The key paragraph in the story is this: “Interest groups on both sides of the tobacco tax issue will surely spend a significant amount of money lobbying lawmakers in the direction of their cause.  According to a database at the Secretary of State’s website, the American Cancer Society spent $15,516 on lobbying efforts during the 2011 session.  Altria Client Services Inc, which is the parent company of tobacco-giant Philip Morris spent $110,467 to lobby lawmakers in 2011.” More here.

Question: Would you like to see state cigarette taxes raised $1.25 per pack?