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Ga. Lawmakers Eye Boost In Cigarette Tax

NewsCentral Staff

Story Created: Mar 7, 2011 at 11:20 AM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2011 at 11:20 AM EDT

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia lawmakers are considering hiking the state's tax on cigarettes from 37 cents to 68 cents per pack, making it one of the highest in the region.

The 84 percent increase is part of a plan set out by the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians to revamp the
state's tax code. The increased tax on smokes would create another $114 million in revenue for the cash-strapped state.

The state's cigarette tax has been 37 cents since 2003, when it was raised 12 cents.

The increase would still keep Georgia among the lowest cigarette taxes in the country. In New York, the tax alone is $4.35, while in
Rhode Island it's $3.46 and Michigan it's $2.52.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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