Cigarette Tax

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Smokers in New York now pay the highest tax
on cigarettes in the country. The latest increase of $1.25 means
smokers will be paying a total of $2.75 a pack just in taxes.
In New York City, which has its own cigarette tax, the cost of a
pack could soar past $10.
The state health commissioner thinks the increase will convince
an estimated 140,000 New Yorkers to stop smoking.
State officials also say the increase should bring in 265
million dollars a year in additional revenue. Cigarette taxes
already generate more than a billion dollars for the state.
The head of the New York Association of Convenience Stores says
the higher tax will just drive smokers toward places that don't
charge the tax: Native American stores, the Internet and
bootleggers.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)