Although the state Legislature raised the tax on tobacco products in hopes of gaining additional revenue, the state Department of Health predicts the additional $1 per pack expense that comes into effect Saturday will persuade many to quit buying cigarettes.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and other public health organizations estimate the state’s tobacco tax increase will prompt about 19,000 adults to quit smoking.
And the groups said the additional tax could prevent about twice as many youngsters from taking up the habit.
Tax on other tobacco products goes up by similar amounts.
Health care savings
The expected decrease in use of tobacco products could save more than $854 million in health care costs, the state Department of Health said in a written statement.
The tobacco tax is one of several on convenience-store favorites — such as soda, major-brand beer, candy and bottled water — as well as on service businesses and in other areas that Gov. Chris Gregoire estimated would net roughly $780 million.
Higher taxes on service businesses from attorneys and lobbyists to hairdressers and janitors also will come into effect Saturday. Those taxes are temporary, lasting through June 2013.
Taxes on soda, beer and bottled water — which will take effect on staggered dates later in the year — also are temporary.
Out-of-state companies also were targeted for more revenue, either by recalculating how taxes are charged or shrinking certain exemptions in response to court rulings. Smaller loopholes and other exemptions also were closed or downsized.
Gregoire, a second-term Democrat, said the tax package was a reasonable response to the estimated $2.8 billion budget deficit that the Democrat-controlled Legislature confronted in its recently concluded special session.
Urges smokers to quit
The state Department of Health uses the eve of the tobacco tax increase to encourage smokers to quit.
“Raising tobacco prices is one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking,” said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky.
“Quitting smoking improves a person’s health within hours and saves money, too.
“A pack-a-day smoker who quits will save nearly $2,500 a year. Our tobacco quit line is there to help.”
The free state tobacco quit line — 800-784-8669 — received an unprecedented number of calls after last year’s federal tobacco tax increase, increasing threefold in one month.
The agency expects to see a similar spike when the new state tax takes effect Saturday.
Callers can talk to coaches who help them develop plans to quit.
All state residents can receive some level of free support by calling the quit line. Medicaid subscribers can receive additional help, including prescription medication, if appropriate.
Online, the quit line is at or www.quitline.com.
