In Maine, Democratic lawmakers have voted to raise the state’s tobacco tax more than what Governor Janet Mills had originally supported.
The decision came after a lengthy debate in the Legislature, with many Democrats saying that increasing the tax could help reduce youth smoking and bring in more revenue for health programs.
The new measure will raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack. Governor Mills had recommended a smaller increase, arguing that a moderate change would be more balanced and fair.
However, lawmakers in both the House and Senate felt that a stronger step was needed to discourage tobacco use, especially among teenagers.
Supporters of the bill say the higher tax could make cigarettes less accessible to young people and help fund important public health initiatives. Public health groups also backed the move, stating that higher prices have been proven to lower smoking rates.
On the other hand, some critics worry that the higher tax could place a burden on low-income residents and lead to an increase in out-of-state cigarette purchases.
Governor Mills had expressed concern that too high a tax could backfire by encouraging people to buy from neighboring states with lower prices.
Despite those concerns, the Democratic majority in the Legislature pushed the bill through. Now, with the measure passed, it is likely to become law unless Governor Mills decides to veto it.
Even if Mills does reject the bill, lawmakers could still override her decision if they gather enough votes. At the moment, there is strong support within the Democratic Party to keep the new tax in place.
This move is part of a broader trend in Maine to focus more on public health and wellness. Similar steps have been taken in recent years, including restrictions on flavored tobacco and efforts to reduce vaping among young people.
For now, tobacco users in Maine will soon be paying more, and the debate over how much is too much is still ongoing.