Cigarette Tax Renewal Bill Passes Senate Committee

A state Senate committee advances a House-passed bill that would renew an expiring 4-cent tax on a pack of cigarettes. The bill is sponsored by Bogalusa Rep. Harold Ritchie. The 4-cent tax brings in about $12-million in revenue to the state yearly. However, Governor Jindal's office feels renewing the tax represents a new tax. The bill's already passed the House and is now headed for debate on the Senate floor. The governor has threatened a veto if the tax makes it to his desk.