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A Higher Texas Cigarette Tax Would Save Lives, Reduce Health Care Costs and Raise Much-Needed Revenue

Statement by William V. Corr, Executive Vice President Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Washington, DC - We welcome the proposal by state Senators Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, to increase Texas’ cigarette tax by $1.00 from 41 cents to $1.41. The proposed cigarette tax increase is a win-win-win solution for Texas. It’s a win for the public’s health because it will reduce smoking among both kids and adults and save lives by reducing tobacco-caused disease. It’s a financial win for the state because it will raise much-needed revenue to help balance the state budget. And, it’s a political win for Texas legislators because tobacco taxes have been popular among voters in states across the country. In short, increasing the cigarette tax is one of the most important public health measures Texas’ leaders can enact.

Studies show that every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes will reduce youth smoking by seven percent and overall cigarette consumption by three to five percent. Texas can expect a $1.00 per pack cigarette tax increase to prevent some 291,000 kids alive today from becoming smokers, save 134,000 Texans from smoking-caused deaths, produce $5 billion in long-term health care savings, and raise roughly $1 billion a year in new revenue.

Cigarette tax increases are also popular with voters. Polls conducted in numerous, diverse states throughout the country have consistently shown broad public and voter support for cigarette-tax increases. In 17 different states, recent polls show strong majority support for an increase in the state's cigarette tax. In most states, voters favor the proposed cigarette tax increase by a two-to-one margin.

Texas leaders should also fully fund their tobacco prevention program according to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A report released last month by the CDC found that higher cigarette taxes and tobacco prevention programs are responsible for the most recent declines nationally in youth tobacco use.

Tobacco’s toll in Texas is devastating – 28.1 percent of youths currently smoke, and 59,600 more kids become regular, daily smokers every year, one-third of whom will die prematurely. Smoking-caused health care expenses and productivity losses cost Texas $10 billion a year. With a higher cigarette tax, Texas can reduce this terrible toll.

A growing number of states have increased their cigarette taxes in recent months, including Vermont, Ohio, Nebraska, Maryland, Connecticut, Utah, New York and Washington State. These measures have been approved by governors and legislatures of both political parties, as well as by voters in Washington, underscoring the broad political support for cigarette tax increases. Texas should join these states in doing the right thing and enjoying the many health and economic benefits that will result.