The Louisiana Healthier Families Act has been re-introduced as House Bill 889 which will increase the tax on cigarettes by 50 cents. This measure was heard by the House Ways and Means Committee on Monday June 8, 2009 and was reported favorably with an eight “yea” and seven “nay” vote. House Bill 889 is co-sponsored by 18 legislators; including Senate President, Senate President Pro Tempore, and 3 Republican Representatives.

The Louisiana Healthier Families Act will improve health outcomes by raising the tax on tobacco. This has two primary benefits: the first which will encourage those who smoke to discontinue the unhealthy habit that leads to severe illness and death, the second which will shift the degree of financial burden resulting from this unhealthy behavior. Furthermore, House Bill 889 will provide additional revenues for the state, during a time when the state faces budget shortfalls. We believe our state officials should act in a manner that will improve health outcomes, serve the needs of our children as well as provide additional revenues for the state.

To read more on the Louisiana Healthier Families Act, read the Louisiana Budget Project report “Tobacco Tax Increase: Raise the Tax or Bear the Burden“