$2 per pack cigarette tax is one proposal for Indiana's budget woes

$2 per pack cigarette tax is one proposal for Indiana's budget woes

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana is staring at a $2.4 billion shortfall, meaning proposed state spending exceeds anticipated income by billions of dollars. But there is one way lawmakers are hoping to bridge the gap: Have smokers cough up the difference. A proposal being floated around the Indiana Statehouse would effectively double the tax rate of cigarettes in Indiana. This means smokers could pay $2 in taxes on every pack of cigarettes. Indiana fa…

Newest forecast data projects $2B less in revenue

INDIANAPOLIS — In a sharp turnaround from the flush financial fortunes of the last budget cycle, Indiana’s projected revenue for the next budget cycle fell by $2 billion according to new forecast data publicized on Wednesday.

Dr. Richard Feldman: It’s time to raise state cigarette tax

In various state health-ranking reports, Indiana is consistently among the unhealthiest states on most any measure including chronic disease, overall health, and life expectancy. According to the American Lung Association, our state’s maternal smoking rate is well above the national average and our adult smoking rank is eighth highest nationally. One in five Hoosiers, 11,000 annually, die as a result of smoking. Tobacco plays a large role in our…

New Indiana forecast projects $2B less in revenue

Indiana’s projected revenue for the next budget cycle fell by $2 billion according to new forecast data publicized on Wednesday.

Cigarette tax increase called for in Indiana revenue forecast

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) -- The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is releasing a statement following the release of the April revenue forecast for the state. Below is the full statement: “With today’s announcement by the State Budget Committee on the revenue forecast, it’s clear we must tighten our belts and consider new sources of revenue to ease financial constraints. And in the process, we should take the opportunity to make Indiana a healthier state…

Richard Feldman column: Cigarette tax increase would have health, economic benefits

In various state health-ranking reports, Indiana is consistently among the unhealthiest states on most any measure including chronic disease, overall health and life expectancy.