WA lawmakers light up plan for cigarette tax hike

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Increasing taxes on cigarettes, cigars and vapor products could be on the buffet of revenue-raising options Washington lawmakers consider to erase a looming budget shortfall.

Legislation discussed in the House Finance Committee on Thursday would boost taxes on an array of tobacco products to generate $23.1 million for the general fund in the next two-year budget.

While it will cover only a sliver of the projected $6 billion gap, the dollars would help pay health care and societal costs linked to the effects of smoking and vaping, the bill’s sponsor told the committee.

“I feel very strongly that those who are most prone to utilize this product should be the people paying for the impacts of this product,” said Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/02/21/wa-lawmakers-light-up-plan-for-cigarette-tax-hike/