Miss. lawmakers close to tobacco tax hike deal
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Dean Kirby told his committee an agreement is “very, very close” and he plans to bring a bill up for debate tomorrow. He added Senate leaders are amenable to a larger tax hike than previously discussed, if the revenue can be used to offset car tag costs in danger of rising.
A bill that would increase the 18-cent tobacco tax by 82 cents, with the revenue going into the general fund, cleared the House recently. Kirby did not specify whether he would consider that bill or propose a new measure.
Kirby, R-Pearl, previously had said the Senate would probably support a tobacco tax hike of no more than 32 cents.
He added that Gov. Haley Barbour is amenable to a larger tax hike than the one proposed in the governor’s budget. Barbour has suggested a 24-cent hike on premium-brand cigarettes, and an additional 42 cents on smaller-brand companies not participating in the state’s lawsuit settlement with tobacco companies.
Clarion Ledger
1/27/9
Magnolia Tribune
