June 21, 2019

Andrew Campbell 

On June 20 Oregon House approved on a 39-21 vote to increase the cigarette tax to $2 per pack. The law would slap new taxes on cigars and nicotine inhalant devices. For the first time, the tax would also apply to e-cigarettes and similar products. Although studies show that vaping has a less negative effect on users' health than smoking, public health experts warn that it can still lead to nicotine addiction and may encourage people to begin using tobacco products.

Rachel Prusak, the State Representative for House District 37 and nurse practitioner, supported the tax plan and said, “A tobacco tax indeed discourages our youth from ever starting to smoke, and it definitely encourages those who have started to quit.” Prusak added, “We know that the best way to deter access, particularly by young people, is to raise the price.”

According to the study of the US Department of Health and Human Services, people become smokers mostly always under 25, and nearly 90% start smoking under 18. Supporters of the tobacco tax hike hope that a higher price tag on cigarettes and cigars will effectively prevent cash-strapped teenagers and younger adults from buying them and becoming addicted to nicotine.

Supporters say the tax would raise about $350 million per biennium for the Oregon Health Authority and that money will help improve healthcare for the elderly, the poor and some vulnerable groups.

The tobacco tax hike is scheduled for November 2021. However, eighteen Oregon senators will have to approve the bill before the new taxes head to the ballot to get voter approval.

Photo:Webshot.