Why Increase the Price of Tobacco?
Research shows that a mere 10 percent increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes decreases smoking among adults by 4 percent, especially pregnant women, and among youth by at least 7 percent. Increasing Wisconsin’s excise tax by 75 cents per pack will significantly reduce the number of children who become addicted to tobacco, save millions of dollars in health care costs, and provide nearly $100 million per year in additional state revenues.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in Wisconsin, claiming more than 7,300 lives each year and costing the state $2 billion annually in health care bills, including $480 million in Medicaid payments alone. Government expenditures related to tobacco amount to a hidden tax of $594 each year on every Wisconsin household.

Raising the Price in Wisconsin
In an effort to prevent Wisconsin kids from starting to smoke and to help motivate adults to quit smoking, Governor Jim Doyle announced a 75-cent per pack increase in the state cigarette tax during his February 17, 2009 budget address. On June 27, 2009 the Wisconsin state Assembly approved the increase, which would make Wisconsin's cigarette tax $2.52 per pack, the 5th highest in the nation. If the state Senate keeps the tax in the budeget and it is signed by the Governor, it will go into effect on Sept. 1, 2009. The tax will improve public health by encouraging adults to quit and keeping kids from starting to smoke.

Resources
Find the latest information on tobacco taxes and its impact on tobacco use.

In the News
Check out the latest news headlines on the tobacco tax.

Blog

Read our opinions and share yours on the official SmokeFree Wisconsin blog.

Legislation
Find out what bills have been introduced, who sponsors the bill and its current status.

Take Action
Feel the need to help reduce tobacco use by increasing the price of tobacco? Here you will find opportunities to take action.

Updated June 29, 2009