Why A Cigarette Tax?

Increasing cigarette taxes is a WIN, WIN, WIN solution for states - a health win that reduces smoking and saves lives; a fiscal win that raises revenue and reduces health care costs; and a political win that is popular with the public. It's no wonder that 46 states and the District of Columbia have increased cigarette taxes more than 100 times since January 1, 2002, more than doubling the average state cigarette tax from 43.4 cents to $1.40 a pack.

Win #1: Fewer Kids Smoking

Studies, and experience in state after state, show that higher cigarette taxes are one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking among both youth and adults. Every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes will reduce youth smoking by about seven percent and overall cigarette consumption by about four percent.

Win #2: Higher Revenue for States

Every state that has significantly increased its cigarette tax has enjoyed substantial increases in revenue, even while reducing smoking. These funds have helped states balance budgets and fund essential services like health care, education and tobacco prevention programs. Contrary to tobacco industry arguments, cigarette tax increases are a reliable source of revenue for states.

Win #3: Public Support for Tobacco Taxes

In national and state polls across the country, there is overwhelming public support for tobacco tax increases. Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike want elected officials to increase tobacco taxes to help prevent kids from smoking.

Source: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Why a 93-cent Cigarette Tax Increase in South Carolina?

A 93-cent increase in South Carolina's cigarette tax is a WIN-WIN-WIN for South Carolina:

A WIN for public health because it will reduce smoking, particularly among kids;
A WIN for the state's fiscal health because it will raise more than $216 million in new annual revenue for the state; and
A WIN for lawmakers who support it because of overwhelming voter support (74 percent)

A 93-cent cigarette tax increase will generate $216 million dollars in new, recurring revenue for South Carolina. It will decrease the enormous burden on our healthcare system by nearly 1 billion dollars, while improving the health of approximately 24,100 current adult smokers who will quit and preventing approximately 20,300 smoking related deaths. Studies also show that teen smoking is reduced in states that increase their cigarette tax. In South Carolina, it is estimated that 44,000 South Carolina kids would never start smoking if our cigarette tax were $1.00 per pack.

In national and state polls across the country, there is overwhelming public support for cigarette tax increases up to $1. Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike want elected officials to increase tobacco taxes to increase revenue, reduce health care costs, and help prevent kids from smoking.

More Information

Read about how South Carolina kids would benefit from a cigarette tax increase.

Learn more about the toll of tobacco in South Carolina.