Cigarette tax would fund child health coverage
SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon House will vote Thursday on a plan to increase the state cigarette tax an additional 85 cents per pack.
The tax would fund the "Healthy Kids" plan, designed to give health insurance to every child in Oregon.
The Democrat-sponsored bill is getting heavy resistance from Republicans, but Democrats have the majority in the House.
Republicans say they like the idea of helping kids, but want to find another funding source.
Passage of the tax increase would make cigarettes about the same price as those sold in Washington.
The tax would fund the "Healthy Kids" plan, designed to give health insurance to every child in Oregon.
The Democrat-sponsored bill is getting heavy resistance from Republicans, but Democrats have the majority in the House.
Republicans say they like the idea of helping kids, but want to find another funding source.
Passage of the tax increase would make cigarettes about the same price as those sold in Washington.