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The American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control Report: 2006  analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas—smokefree air, tobacco program funding, cigarette excise taxes and youth access to tobacco.  South Carolina scored grades of  “F” in all four categories. South Carolina’s tax is currently only 7 cents, the lowest in the nation. The national average for state cigarette taxes is $1.00.

Studies show that when the price of cigarettes goes up, youth smoking rates go down. In fact, for every 10 percent increase in price, youth smoking rates will drop by about 7 percent. Revenues from cigarette excise taxes can fund tobacco prevention and education programs and other budget priorities. A reduction in tobacco use saves thousands of lives and produces enormous declines in state health care costs and other tobacco-related expenditures.

The American Lung Association is urging SC state senators and representatives to raise the state cigarette tax by 93 cents in the 2007 session of the legislature.   Please take a moment to send the attached letter to your State Senator and Representative and ask them to raise the tax on cigarettes in South Carolina.