Prop. 86 to Raise Cigarette Tax to Highest in U.S.

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published October 10, 2006 at 8:19 AM PDT

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

Should the state impose an additional tax of $2.60 per cigarette pack to fund new and expanded health services, health insurance for children, and expand tobacco use prevention programs? That is the

California now has a cigarette tax of $0.87 a pack. If Proposition 86 passes in November, the state would tax cigarettes at $3.47 a pack, making it the highest cigarette tax in the country.

In a state where tax increases are seen as the pox, raising cigarette taxes has been relatively popular. But some people believe a $2.60 tax increase is going a little too far.

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The California General Election takes place November 7, 2006.

Guests

Wendy Lazarus, founder and co-president of the Children’s Partnership and supporter of Proposition 86.
Auday Arabo , president and CEO of California Independent Grocers and Convenience Stores and opponent of Proposition 86.