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Tobacco Tax Bill Clears First Hurdle In House Committee

Last updated on Monday, February 6, 2017

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana has one of the nation’s highest smoking rates. Thursday, the House Public Health Committee voted on a bill that aims to bring that rate down, in part by raising the cigarette tax by $1.50.

Studies show that raising the cigarette tax can keep people from buying that first pack. The bill would also raise the smoking age to 21, and put 35 million dollars toward tobacco prevention and cessation each year. Right now, the state spends under six million dollars.

The bill cleared the house public health committee, 11-0.

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