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Committee hears split testimony on HB 1596 to raise cigarette excise, repeal Medicaid premium and restore UNH funding
Summary
Supporters including the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association backed a $1.02 increase in the cigarette excise as a public‑health measure and revenue source for cessation programs; retailers, small businesses and some legislators warned of cross‑border impacts, illicit trade and unfair burden on certain consumers.
The House Ways and Means Committee took public testimony on HB 1596, a package that would raise New Hampshire's cigarette excise from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack, repeal an income‑based Medicaid premium included in the current budget, and restore prior cuts to the University of New Hampshire.
Sponsor remarks framed the $1.02 increase as a cost‑of‑living adjustment dating from the 2008 base rate and said the change would keep New Hampshire competitively priced in New England while generating money to repeal the Medicaid premium and return funds to UNH. The sponsor told the committee the bill was "net positive" on cash flow and emphasized the health rationale for a larger, periodic…
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