Health and youth advocates want Connecticut lawmakers to raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 95 cents to deter smoking.
Advocates on Wednesday released the results of a statewide poll which they said shows 70 percent of voters support raising the cigarette tax, which is currently at $3.40 per pack.
The proponents of the tax said it would prevent 11,500 children from becoming smokers, prompt 11,000 adults to quit smoking and generate $50 million in revenue for the state.
Representatives from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, and American Lung Association attended the event.
Democratic state Reps. Matthew Lesser, James Albis, and Elaine O'Brien were also present.
Increase in Cigarette Tax Proposed
Health advocates say 70 percent of voters in Connecticut support raising the tax
Copyright AP - Associated Press
