New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is expected to propose raising the state’s cigarette tax as part of his state budget plan.
Murphy will propose raising the tax on cigarette sales by $1.65, which, if approved, would raise New Jersey’s statewide tax on cigarettes to $4.35 a pack, tied with New York and Connecticut for the highest cigarette tax in the nation.
According to Murphy’s budget estimates, the tax increase would bring in an additional $218 million in revenue for New Jersey.
The proposed raise in cigarette taxes come as nationwide efforts are being made to limit consumer access to nicotine products and continue to lower the number of people using cigarettes, which has been declining for years.
It is estimated that 13% of adults in New Jersey smoke, down from 17% in 2011. Nationwide, 13.7% of adults smoke, down from 21% in 2005.
Good.
Stop smoking. Not good for your health.
But everyone should have access to marajuana!
In this crazy upside down world, this sort of make sense. Ban smoking and vaping; legalize marijuana.