House Ways and Means Committee to hear bill that would increase tax on cigarettes by one dollar

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Today, the House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry is the author of the legislation. As it stands, Louisiana ranks among the states with the lowest tobacco taxes, and Landry believes it’s time for change.

“The last time the tax on cigarettes had been raised was by my predecessor Walt Leger in, I believe, it was 2016, so it hasn’t been raised in almost a decade,” Landry said.

Landry, known for her progressive stance on health policy, argues that higher tobacco taxes have consistently led to lower smoking rates in other states.

“The research is crystal clear. It shows that when you raise the price a fairly significant amount, people start smoking less, and many actually take advantage of many free programs to quit. So, they have more money in their pocket and the state, as a whole, is healthier,” Landry explained.

However, opposition is already forming. Critics claim the tax hike will burden low-income smokers and could hurt small businesses. Still, Landry remains resolute, seeing the bill as a bold step toward a healthier Louisiana.

“I think it has a pretty decent chance of going through, especially when you see the financial aspects of how healthcare costs do go down,” Landry said.