A statewide coalition seeking to see at least a dollar increase in the state cigarette tax is stressing the health problems associated with smoking during pregnancy. A leader in the effort still believes the proposed tax hike could get a vote in the current legislative session.
Bonnie Hackbarth with the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky says nearly 150 groups with medical, education, and business ties comprise the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Tomorrow. Hackbarth says a long list of health benefits and the state’s need for revenues make her think action on House and Senate floors is possible. “We absolutely think it could be this session and we think, like I said, we have more momentum behind us than we’ve had in years,” said Hackbarth.
Misti Williams says she started smoking at about 13 and continued until her early 20’s when she was forced to stop during a period of incarceration. But the Lexington woman says she began again after prison and smoked during four previous pregnancies. She stopped when she learned of her current pregnancy.
Williams says she just wanted to “change.” She says she used to try to convince herself smoking was not as bad as other vices. “I would justify it in my head to feel better, telling myself ‘well it’s not alcohol and it’s not drugs. This is more socially acceptable,” noted Williams. “But, inwardly, like subconsciously and deep in my heart I knew that I didn’t want to smoke, but I didn’t know exactly how to not smoke.”
The coalition states the incidence of smoking during pregnancy is just over 20% in Kentucky, compared to 8% for the nation as a whole. Angela Brumely-Shelton with the Fayette County Health Department says a dollar per pack increase in the cigarette tax would have the biggest impact on youth smoking and pregnant women who smoke.
© 2018 WEKU
