Raising Taxes On Tobacco Products

Dear Editor,

Whether or not you use tobacco, you are paying for it. Every year, each household in Montana spends $791 in taxes due to smoking. What's more, Montanans spend a total of $440 million annually in health care costs directly caused by smoking.

Did you know that raising taxes on tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to reduce use and improve the health of Valley County's residents? The last time Montana raised the tax on tobacco was in 2005.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, increasing the price on cigarettes results in fewer kids starting to smoke and more adults quitting. Low income adults, youth and pregnant women are especially likely to quit or reduce their smoking when the price increases.

What about e-cigarettes? Over half of Montana's high school students have tried e-cigarettes and 30 percent are using them regularly. A 2017 study published in Tobacco Control found that teens using e-cigarettes in 12th grade are four times more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes in the next year.

E-cigarettes are not taxed in Montana and are not safe for youth. To address the rapid rise in youth e-cigarette use, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends applying significant increases in price and tax on these products.

When there is an opportunity to protect Valley County's kids, improve health and save money, why not take it?

Sincerely,

Teri Long

Valley County Tobacco Prevention Specialist