WASHINGTON, D.C. – “The $2-per-pack cigarette tax increase that goes into effect today will discourage tobacco use and save lives from cancer and other serious tobacco-related diseases in the District. Research shows that regular and significant tobacco tax increases are one of the most effective ways to encourage tobacco users to quit and protect young people from becoming addicted.
“The District’s $2 per pack increase is projected to save an estimated 2,000 lives, keep 2,400 kids from becoming addicted and prompt 5,300 adults to quit. It’s not only the right move for the physical health of the District, but its fiscal health as well. The increase will generate an estimated $5.36 million in new annual revenue and save the District nearly $148 million in long-term health care costs. A portion of the revenue generated by the tax will provide additional funding for the District’s tobacco prevention and cessation program. It will also allow for the implementation of the District’s tobacco 21 law, passed in 2017, to raise the age of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21.
“Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death nationwide—it will claim the lives of more than 480,000 Americans this year alone. Considering that one-third of all cancer deaths can be attributed to tobacco use, reducing its consumption is critical in the fight against cancer. As the home to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) headquarters, I’m proud of the District for putting public health first and working to reduce Big Tobacco’s grip on its residents. "
“Today’s implementation catapults the District to first in the nation, among states, for its effective cigarette tax rate of $4.94 per pack. ACS CAN urges lawmakers in states still considering a significant tobacco tax increase to follow the District’s lead and do the right thing for the health of their state, as well as the budget.
“The District now joins California, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico as the only states or territories in the country to increase their cigarette tax by at least $1 since August 2014. ACS CAN will continue to advocate for significant and impactful tobacco tax proposals being considered currently across the country, as well as other proven tobacco control measures, like smoke-free laws that cover all workplaces, including restaurants and bars, and funding for tobacco control programs at CDC-recommended levels.”
###