Right now the smoking rate amongst the nations youth is at its lowest rate in a generation ... and we think thats a good thing" said Bill Phelps a spokesman for Altria the parent company of Philip Morris.
Texas lawmakers increased the cigarette sales tax from .41 cents per pack to $1.41 per pack during a Special Legislative Session in 2006.
Some 4 years later see what the results bear out and what revenues Texas might expect for the coming Legislative Session from one of Americas leading Corporate Citizens" Altria spokesman Bill Phelps. (Watch video below.)
At the time of the 2006 increase which went into effect Jan. 1 2007 Texas revenue forecasters estimated the tax increase would generate millions annually for state coffers & presumed smokers would quit. They noted especially that fewer youngsters would take up the habit.
In fact by some measures today the rate of smoking cigarettes amongst high schoolers is below marijuana use by high schoolers" said Phelps.
