Cigar Tax Limit Passes State House and Senate

The Michigan Legislature passed and sent to the Governor a bill capping the tax on cigars at fifty cents.

Cigar smoking is just as deadly and addictive as cigarette smoking, yet cigar sales
have been rising fast – especially among kids.  A big reason is that Michigan taxes cigars at a much lower rate than it taxes cigarettes.

This is a big public health problem because it keeps cigar prices lower, thereby increasing the number of kids who try cigars and become addicted and reducing the number of adult smokers who quit. In addition, when faced with cigarette tax and price increases, cigarette smokers who might otherwise quit or cutback are often turning to under-taxed, less-expensive cigars, instead.

There is no justification for giving cigars any special tax treatment.

The bill is bad for Michigan and bad for our kids. At this point the only thing preventing the bill from becoming law is the signature of the governor. Governor Snyder has always supported measures that would support a healthier Michigan and this bill does just the opposite. 

Please tell Governor Snyder to VETO this bill.