Measure Filed That Would Increase Cigarette Tax By 22 Cents

A measure has been filed for the upcoming legislative session that would increase cigarette taxes by 22-cents. Currently, the tax on a pack of cigarettes is $1.08 and the proposal would up that to $1.30 a pack. Author of the legislation, West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman, says this increase would generate more revenue for the state and lead to a healthier Louisiana.

“Hopefully we’ll have some people decide they want to quit smoking, it’s going to help us with healthcare costs. It just makes sense.”

Since 2015, the legislature has increased the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 72-cents. Hoffman says the money generated from the 22-cent increase would go into the general fund.

“Louisiana needs money pretty badly right now so that’s going to help in increasing the tax moneys we get across the state. We still have some of the lower taxes across the whole country in the cigarette world.”