Tobacco Prevention News
Whether or not you use tobacco, you are paying for it. According to data from the Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids Toll of Tobacco in Montana report, every year each household in Montana spends $906 in taxes due to smoking. What’s more, Montanans spend a total of $511 million annually in health care costs directly caused by smoking.
Did you know that raising taxes on tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to reduce use and improve the health of Montana’s residents? The last time Montana raised the tax on tobacco was in 2005.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, increasing the price on cigarettes results in fewer kids starting to smoke and more adults quitting. Low-income adults, youth and pregnant women are especially likely to quit or reduce their smoking when the price increases.
What about e-cigarettes? Nearly half (45 percent) of Montana’s high school students have tried e-cigarettes and 24 percent are using them regularly.
E-cigarettes are not taxed in Montana and are not safe for youth. To address the rapid rise in youth e-cigarette use, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends applying significant increases in price and tax on these products.
When there is an opportunity to protect Montana’s kids, improve health and save money, why not take it?
