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Panel hears bill to raise cigarette tax by $1 per pack; supporters cite health benefits, retailers warn of smuggling and lost sales
Summary
Rep. Melody Cunningham asked the House Taxation Committee to approve a $1 per‑pack increase in Montana’s cigarette tax, citing health benefits and the tax’s long absence of adjustment.
Representative Melody Cunningham opened the hearing on House Bill 826, proposing a $1 per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax — the first such increase in 21 years, she said. Cunningham cited public‑health and fiscal figures for support, including an estimate that smoking costs Montanans about $511 million per year in health-care-related costs and that Medicaid spends about $87.2 million annually on smoking-related care.
A wide range of health and youth advocates testified in favor. Students from Powell County testified that higher prices deter youth initiation; Jackie Semmens of the American Heart Association said tobacco taxes reduce use, help fund cessation services and lower health-care costs; Lauren Wilson, a pediatrician and…
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