Missouri cigarette tax hike proposed

KSDK -- Missouri smokers could soon be paying more for a pack of cigarettes.

Missouri has not increased its cigarette tax, which currently stands at 17 cents a pack, since 1993. State Representative Jamilah Nasheed has filed legislation to increase Missouri's excise tax on cigarettes to 33 cents a pack.

The 16-cents-per-pack increase proposed in House Bill 494 would generate an estimated $90 million a year for the state's general revenue fund. "Although the federal economic stimulus package will provide a much-needed infusion of money in the state, Missouri also is in a dire need of a permanent boost in the general revenue stream," Nasheed said. "A relatively modest increase in the cigarette levy is a way to bolster state revenue without a general tax on all Missourians. If you don't smoke, you don't pay the tax".

Missouri has the second lowest tax in the nation.