NEIGHBORHOOD STORE ASSOCIATION
Summer 2006
Vol. 8 No. 2
Circulation of Tobacco Tax Initiative Begins
Proponents of the initiative petition that would increase Oregon’s cigarette tax by 60 cents a pack began signature gathering on May 4, 2006. The petitioners have until July 7, 2006 to obtain the 75,630 valid signatures necessary to qualify the initiative for the November 2006 General Election ballot. As a certain number of the total signatures collected will be deemed invalid for one reason or another, petitioners will need to collect an estimated 90,000 signatures or more to achieve the 75,630 threshold.
In recent news accounts, it has been reported that Oregon hospitals and insurers have agreed to contribute $150,000 to pay for professional signature gatherers and that other health care providers have agreed to match that amount.
If the initiative qualifies for the ballot and is enacted by voters, Oregon’s cigarette tax would increase from $1.18 per pack to $1.78 per pack by July 2008. Revenue from the tax would be used to fund health care programs for children younger than 19 and extend coverage for low-income adults. Only 7% of the proceeds would be dedicated to tobacco cessation programs.
Inside:
Federal Court Strikes Down Washington Distribution Laws
2006 Petition Cycle Nears the Finish — 2008 Cycle Just Beginning
Industry Organizations to Merge
Beverage Marketing Corporation Presents Ranking of Leading Refreshment Trademarks