NYC Residents To Pay $11 Cigarettes Per Pack

June 23rd, 2010 - 7:31 pm ICT by GD  

By Ranjan Bhaduri
uytJune 23, (THAINDIAN NEWS) There is bad news in store for the smokers who live in New York. New York became the place where the highest cigarette taxes have been levied.

A new bill was passed on Monday after which the taxes on Tobacco related products were increased. The new tobacco law comes into effect from the first day of July. From July 1 onwards every cigarette pack sold in New York will cost $1.60 more and the average price will shot up to $9.20 in the state. In New York City the cost would be even higher touching $1.20 as it has been confirmed.

The new tobacco tax rise is a part of an emergency spending scheme. The lawmakers are under pressure and they have to reach a budget agreement. Otherwise Government shutdown will become imminent. Jeff Klein, the Senate Deputy Majority Leader told a major media entity that it needs to be ensured that youngsters do not get to smoke that easily.

Even the tax on smokeless tobacco will be doubled. After the hike $440 million revenue will be generated which will be spent after health care programs like AIDS drugs subsidies and cancer research. The state officials are hopeful that the new tax will help to fill the $9.2 billion deficit in the state budget.

As one can understand the declaration has made health advocates happier. The smokers are not amused though. An American Heart Association spokesperson said that it may make some people quit smoking altogether. The move has been slammed by the GOP members and they are trying to criticize the democrats for it.

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