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Utah Senate approves modest cigarette tax increase amid debate over timing and equity
Summary
The Senate voted 18–11 to raise the state cigarette tax by 4.5 cents per pack, funding youth tobacco-prevention programs; the measure drew objections from senators who said a tax increase was inappropriate in a year of large surpluses.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 28 approved Substitute House Bill 43 to raise the cigarette tax by 4.5 cents per pack and earmark the revenue for tobacco-prevention, youth education and compliance programs. The bill passed after floor debate and a closely watched roll-call vote.
Senator Montgomery, leading floor debate on the measure, described the proposal and distributed technical amendment language (SEG 4160–4176). Several senators argued against raising taxes…
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