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

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.

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.