Smoking Down Due to Cigarette Taxes

The last time Missouri raised its cigarette tax was in 1993, from 13 cents a pack to 17 cents. Today, the state has the lowest tax in the nation. Since the 90s, many states have increased cigarette taxes to raise money for services like health care and education. Now, petitions are seeking to implement higher cigarette taxes in hold-out states Missouri, North Dakota, and California. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids estimates that every 10 percent increase in cigarette prices leads to a 4 percent decline in cigarette consumption.