Maine Smokers Beware, The State’s Cigarette Tax Could Be Jumping Again

When it comes to smoking in Maine, people have many different opinions and thoughts on the matter. Opinions range of course depending on whether or not you are actually a smoker.

Most smokers you ask will tell you that they are not in favor of an increase to the state's cigarette tax. And that makes sense, right? You don't want to pay more for something that you buy frequently.

However, when you compare that against public opinion of NON smokers, you often get a different take. Non smokers, since they don't have to go out and buy them, are often in favor of an increase in cigarette taxes, especially if it means more revenue for other areas of government.

Though according to an article from the Kennebec Journal, neither side will have a say on whether it goes up again or not. That's because democrats in Maine that sit on the state's budget committee, recently voted to increase the state of Maine cigarette tax from $1.00 a pack to $1.50 as part of the newly proposed state budget.

And while it seems like 'just a .50 cents increase', you have to realize that it is a FIFTY percent jump from where the tax sits right now. Republicans on the committee expressed opposition to the proposal saying that it would hurt low-income Maine residents the most, the KJ reported.

Senate Minority Leader, Trey Stewart, R-Presque Isle, said in part about the proposal,

“The reality is Democrats are spending, spending, spending more of your money on their pet projects and are now going to be taxing you more. And that’s going to be done totally on a partisan basis without a single Republican vote.”

Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, who co-chairs the budget committee, said in part,

“In my 19 years in the Legislature and 17 years on appropriations, we have always worked on budgets in a bipartisan way. At every step, we’ve been open to collaboration and willing to engage in negotiations. But crafting a responsible, balanced budget requires showing up and doing the work. Maine people expect their elected officials to be part of the solution — not to sit on the sidelines while important decisions are being made about our state’s future.”

The budget is still in appropriations so we don't know yet if the .50 tax increase will make it through the finish line, however, if you're a smoker in Maine, it's worth paying attention to.