Our friends at Tobacco Free Massachusetts (TFM) recently proposed a tobacco tax bill (HD 2773) to close loopholes on other tobacco products (OTP) sponsored by Representative Jonathan Hecht and Senator Jamie Eldridge. This bill is supported by Health Care For All and the Oral Health Advocacy Taskforce. On March 25th, TFM released the findings on a poll of 500 Commonwealth voters to gauge their support on increasing excise tax for smokeless tobacco products. Findings from the poll show that:
- Massachusetts voters are very concerned about young people and tobacco use, as well as smoking, in the state.
- 4 out of 5 people (81%) support taxing other tobacco products at the same rate as cigarettes.
- If Massachusetts were to raise its tax on other tobacco products, 3 out of 4 people (75%) would favor using the money to fund programs that promote oral health and prevent tobacco use among kids, as well as programs to help current tobacco users quit.
- There is strong support across voter groups for taxing all tobacco products at one consistent rate. If HD 2773 is enacted, it would increase OTP sales tax to $2.51, on par with the cigarette tax.
The TFM coalition and youth advocates took this message to Beacon Hill today by hosting Kick Butts Day at the State House. Along with bill sponsor Representative Jonathan Hecht, Senator Susan Fargo and Representative Sean Garballey who showed their support by speaking at the event, youth from across Massachusetts spoke about what they’re doing in their communities to help in the fight against tobacco. The youth also discussed how action must be taken now to stop Big Tobacco’s marketing efforts to target kids with flavored smokeless, spitless and OTP. If HD 2773 is enacted, a tax hike on OTP will bring in a potential source of between $10 million and $15 million in new revenues.
Congratulations to TFM and the youth advocates for a successful day in raising awareness about the tobacco problem and garnering support for strong tobacco prevention policies!
Czarina Biton
