By Jasmyn Belcher
Oswego, NY – Anti-smoking groups in N.Y. continue to push for an increase in cigarette taxes.
A coalition of health organizations have put out a report saying a one dollar increase in the state's cigarette tax would bring in nearly $150 million in new annual revenue for the state. The main priority of the coalition is the impact new taxes would have on smoking rates.
Michael Seilback, the Vice President of Advocacy and Communications for the American Lung Association in N.Y., said for every 10 percent increase in the price of tobacco, there is a four percent decrease in consumption.
"Time and time again we've seen that as states raise the taxes on tobacco, we're seeing less and less smokers. So it's based on formulative and real-world experience," said Seilback.
Currently N.Y.'s cigarette tax is $2.75 per pack, which ranks third in the nation. The national average is $1.35 per pack.