Senate Passes 53-Cent Tax Increase On Cigarettes

Vermont lawmakers who rejected a proposal to jack up the state's per-pack cigarette tax by a dollar have OK'd a smaller increase - 53 cents.
The state Senate voted in favor of the smaller amount Friday, a day after defeating the $1-a-pack increase amid worries that it would drive cigarette buyers to neighboring states and also cut the business Vermont gets from New York and Massachusetts cigarette buyers.
State officials say the 53-cent hike would raise about $5.9 million annually.
Supporters say adding taxes to cigarettes can help discourage people from smoking and at the same time raise money for the state.