Excise Tax Resolution

Resolution in Support of an Increase in NC’s Cigarette Tax by $1.00

WHEREAS, the use of tobacco products is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in North Carolina(1); and

WHEREAS, Nearly 10,400 NC children will become regular daily smokers this year(2); and

WHEREAS, the best way to prevent and reduce tobacco use by children is to substantially increase the cost of cigarettes(3); and

WHEREAS, a cigarette tax increase of $1.00 would result in a 16% decrease in youth smoking rates, prevent 84,600 NC children from becoming addicted adult smokers and saving 40,900 young people from premature smoking-related deaths(4); and

WHEREAS, NC’s cigarette tax is currently 45-cents, the 7th lowest in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the use of tobacco products costs the State $2.46 billion in direct healthcare costs ($769 million in Medicaid expenses alone), and $3.3 billion in lost productivity annually(4); and

WHEREAS, North Carolina expects to see a $4 billion deficit (or more) for the FY2009-2010 budget; and

WHEREAS, these deficits risk cuts to important programs affecting the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians and more reductions may be threatened; and

WHEREAS, an increase in the cigarette tax of $1.00 would generate an estimated $366 million in new revenue in the first year(4).

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the cigarette tax in North Carolina be increased by at least $1.00 a pack.

Click here to download the Excise Tax Resolution

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[1] North Carolina Institute of Medicine, Task Force on Prevention, May 2008

[2] “The Toll of Tobacco in NC,” Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids: http://tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements/toll.php?StateID=NC

[3] D Hopkins & J Fielding: The Guide to Community Preventive Services: Tobacco Use Prevention & Control. Am. Journal of Preventive Medicine; 20:2S

[4] “New Revenues, Public Health Benefits & Cost Savings From A $1.00 Cigarette Tax Increase In North Carolina” Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. http://www.ncallianceforhealth.org/Media/Tobacco/Excise%20Tax/NC%20Tax%20Hike%20Benefits%20($1)%203-10-10%20(4).docx

Click here to download the resolution