INDIANAPOLIS — Supporters of boosting Indiana’s cigarette tax are frustrated with the decision of state Senate Republicans to drop any increase from their state budget plan being released next week.
The move stripping the 50 cents-per pack increase included in the House budget bill is the latest rejection of a cigarette tax hike by Republicans who dominate the Senate. They have blocked for several years any increase of the current 99.5 cents-per pack rate that was last raised in 2007.
A coalition of health and business groups has pushed for a $2 per pack increase, saying it would help drive down Indiana’s smoking rate that is fourth highest in the country.
