Texas Targets Tobacco
HOUSTON -- The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee endorsed raising Texas cigarette taxes by one dollar per pack to pay for state smoking-related health care costs.
The measure could raise $1.5 billion for the 2004-2005 state budget at a time when lawmakers are looking at a potential $5 billion shortfall, according to Sen. Rodney Ellis, (D-Houston.)
But the proposal also comes at a time when most political candidates are dismissing suggestions the state will have to raise taxes next session. The state Legislature will draft the two-year budget when it convenes in January.
Health costs for smoking-related diseases costs Texas about $4.55 billion every year, Ellis estimated.
The measure could raise $1.5 billion for the 2004-2005 state budget at a time when lawmakers are looking at a potential $5 billion shortfall, according to Sen. Rodney Ellis, (D-Houston.)
But the proposal also comes at a time when most political candidates are dismissing suggestions the state will have to raise taxes next session. The state Legislature will draft the two-year budget when it convenes in January.
Health costs for smoking-related diseases costs Texas about $4.55 billion every year, Ellis estimated.