In Iowa about $135 million from cigarette tax were collected

Published on April 1, 2008 6:39 AM

One year ago governor Culver signed the accord on increase of taxes on cigarettes. This tax brings in about $135 Million in its first year.

In 2007 taxes on cigs went up by a $1 a pack, but in a year this $1 brings additional millions to city budget. These millions were paid by smokers and went to smoking-cessation and health programs.

“Quitline Iowa” is Iowa hot-line for quitting, has also registered increase in number of smokers which wanted to kick smoking.

Everything seems to be happy and perfect, only senate Republican Leader Ron Wieck of Sioux City is upset that only about 80 percent of the funds went to smoking-cessation and health programs.

Of course, 80 percent from $135 Million collected from smokers aren’t enough, but authorities can meet a more stirring problem: who would bring annually additional millions of dollars to support smoking-cessation and health programs, if number of smokers in Iowa decreases?

The problem is not in amount, but hope that government will not increase again the taxes, as smokers have already pay additional money.