Smokers face big tax hike Wednesday

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Beginning Wednesday, the government will take another 62 cents of what smokers pay, per pack. Right now, the tax is 39 cents a pack, but on April Fool's Day, it’ll be $1.01.

When cigarette prices went up a few weeks ago, an off-brand became more appealing to Tim Sizemore.

"Honestly, the bigger name brands have a little better taste. But who says you should enjoy smoking anyway?" said Sizemore.

Harvard University said price increases are the single most effective form of curbing tobacco use.

Karla Sneegas leads a state program to reduce cigarette use in Indiana. She said the new tax, and the recession, have more smokers thinking about it.

"I would like to encourage every tobacco user to use this as their time to quit," said Sneegas. "Smokers and tobacco users have to be asking the question: Just how much can I continue to spend on a product that has such a detrimental effect on my health?"
Another anti-smoking group cites federal statistics to show how, since 1970, the use of cigarettes has fallen as their prices have risen.

As for Tim Sizemore, the new tax may force him to make a decision.

"If it'll help me quit smoking, it'll be a good thing," said Sizemore.

The new tax applies to all forms of tobacco and the money raised by the tax will go to support health programs for children.

If you want to use the tax as a reason to stop smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Karla Sneegas says the advice is free.