Smokers unfazed by Pa. tax threat

Thursday, June 10 2010

By Meredith Skrzypczak, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A proposal that would increase the state's cigarette tax to help balance the budget doesn't seem like it will change the habits of local smokers and has some groups calling for a new tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars.

A cigarette tax increase of 10 cents per pack is being discussed by House Democrats. Currently at $1.60 per pack, the cigarette tax is one of a few items legislators are looking at to increase revenue and balance the state's fiscal 2010-11 budget, and it may be the one most likely to be enacted...story continues here