Raise low cigarette tax

Missouri ranks 50th in the amount of its tax on cigarettes, fourth in the rate of adult smokers and fifth in the rate of new lung cancer cases.

A St. Louis newspaper editorialized that every Missouri household pays $565 a year to combat smoking-related costs (mostly through Medicaid).

Most people see the connection between cheap smokes and poor health.

Missouri got an “F” grade from the American Lung Association.

Missouri ranks 45th in funding for higher education, yet the governor’s initial budget contained additional cuts of 12.5 percent.

Could we possibly correct two problems at once?

Rep. Mary Still of Columbia introduced a bill (H.B. 1478) proposing that cigarette taxes be raised (still well below the national average), with $300 million to $400 million a year in new revenue designated for higher education.

There are other proposals floating around from both parties, but where is the leadership on this issue as the legislative clock ticks away?

Let’s urge our representatives in Jefferson City to take action quickly, rather than considering severe cuts to higher education throughout the state.

A higher cigarette tax would decrease smoking, increase revenue and improve the state’s overall health.