Missourians will vote on 73-cent tax hike per cigarette pack

Lighting up may cost more if Missouri voters approve a tobacco tax that calls for a 73-cent hike on every pack of cigarettes. Similar measures in 2002 and in 2006 were defeated after tough campaigns. For some, it's an unpopular proposal again. "We pay enough in taxes, anyway, that it's just another way to get our money," said Chris Becker. Proponents of the tax increase argue it's time for the the Show-Me state to get in line with what other states are paying.

Missouri has the lowest cigarette tax in the nation at 17 cents a pack. Smokers in Arkansas pay $1.15 a pack. New Yorkers shell out the most at $4.35. The national average tax is $1.49 a pack. If Proposition B passes, the tax is estimated to generate between $283 million and $423 million. Eighty percent of the money would fund K-12 schools and higher education. The remainder would be directed to smoking cessation programs. It's a plan that appeals to many voters.

"If it was for, you know, to put down to help with the children and education, I'd probably vote to raise it," said Jane Pottenger. Her husband Don agreed, "If it's for education, yeah, I think I would vote to raise it." But opponents are skeptical; they question where the money will really go. A portion of Missouri's settlement money from big tobacco companies was supposed to go to prevent smoking and help people to quit, but Missouri sends virtually all of the money to its general fund.

"Having them say that this money is going to be earmarked for kids or another issue, call me a little bit jaded, but I just don't see that happening," said Christian Basi, the owner of Just For Him in Springfield. If this measure passes, that 73 cent hike would increase taxes on a pack of cigarettes to a total of 90 cents.