Cigarette Tax Reconsidered

By Angela Hatton

Frankfort, KY – A predicted revenue shortfall might pressure Kentucky lawmakers to take a fresh look at raising the state's cigarette tax. A revised financial forecast shows the state could lose more than $1.2 billion over the next two years. Democratic state Rep. David Watkins of Henderson says he will propose raising the cigarette tax to $1 a pack when the General Assembly convenes in January. Watkins says that would generate about $200 million a year and cut the state's teen smoking rate by making tobacco products less affordable.