Posted:12/01/2011

2012 Tobacco Tax

The Idaho Perinatal Project is proud to be part of a coalition of over 25 Idaho organizations who have come together with one goal. We all support an increase in the tobacco tax because it will reduce tobacco use and save lives, reduce health care costs, and is popular with the public.

As we are gearing up for the 2012 session, now more than ever, legislators need to hear from you. It is important you express increasing the state tobacco tax is an important issue that you support and would be a WIN, WIN, WIN.

It's a health win because it reduces tobacco use, especially among youth, and saves lives. Over 1,500 Idahoans die from smoking-related illnesses every year, and that's just not acceptable when we can do something about it. It's a financial win that reduces health care costs that place a burden on everyone, not just smokers. Tobacco use currently costs Idaho $319 million a year in health care related costs ’Äì an estimated $539 in added state and federal taxes for every taxpaying household. An increase of $1.25 per pack would raise an additional $49 million a year in revenue. It's popular with Idahoans. A statewide poll conducted by Moore Information in October 2010 showed that 73% of Idahoans statewide favor a $1.50 per pack increase in the tobacco tax to help fund tobacco and health care related services.

Now is the time to act!

Meet with you legislators
Call your legislators
Write a Letter to the Editor
Collect signatures on postcards that will be delivered to your legislators
Email your legislators

Respond to elli@veritasadvisor.com to take action in supporting the Tobacco Tax in Idaho.

Thanks for all you do to help increase the health of Idahoans!