In recent days, pediatricians and religious leaders in Louisiana have announced plans to push for higher cigarette taxes in the upcoming legislative session. Louisiana’s current cigarette tax is 36 cents per pack, well below the U.S. average of $1.45. The religious leaders say they would like to see the tax go up by $1.25 a pack. Proponents of higher tobacco taxes argue that increasing the cost of cigarettes will raise money for the state and reduce the number of smokers. Gov. Bobby Jindal has said he is against higher cigarette taxes, in keeping with his overall opposition to tax increases.
Today’s poll question: Do you support an increase in the state’s tobacco tax?
