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Long House debate over cigarette tax pits earmarking supporters against budget‑flexibility advocates; further action set to time certain
Summary
Lawmakers spent hours debating second substitute HB 238, a proposed cigarette/tobacco tax increase that would raise revenue earmarked for prevention, cessation and cancer research. Proponents stressed health gains and returns on prevention spending; opponents objected to raising a targeted tax or locking funds into earmarked accounts. House leaders set the bill for a time‑certain continuation of debate.
Representative Carl Saunders introduced second substitute House Bill 238, proposing an increase in tobacco taxes and directing a large portion of the projected revenue to prevention, cessation, the Huntsman Cancer Institute and other named recipients.
Saunders framed the proposal as a public‑health measure, citing federal and state studies on addiction and the return on investment from prevention programs. He told colleagues the package would generate substantial revenue…
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