Bus tour wraps up for Mo. tobacco tax measure

Friday, October 12, 2012

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Supporters of a ballot measure seeking to increase Missouri’s tobacco taxes are wrapping up a statewide bus tour.

The “Show-Me A Brighter Future” campaign concluded their tour Friday at the state Capitol after stopping in more than 20 cities in 12 days.

Missouri voters will decide an initiative to increase the state cigarette tax to 90 cents per pack while also raising taxes on other tobacco products. The state’s cigarette tax currently is 17 cents per pack and is the lowest in the country.

Supporters estimate the tax increase would generate between $283 million annually in additional revenue. The proposal would steer half that money to public schools, 30 percent to higher education and 20 percent to tobacco cessation and prevention programs.