[Ray of sunshine ... it will be a battle royal, Missourians tend to vote down every tax hike that comes along ... I think the tobacco companies felt it's beatable, and have decided to jump in the fray.]


JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Several tobacco companies joined to fight a proposed tax increase on their products that will appear on Missouri's ballot on Nov. 5. The coalition said Tuesday that it formed a campaign committee called “Missourians Against Unfair Taxes'' to oppose Proposition A.

If approved by voters, the measure would raise Missouri's cigarette tax to 72 cents from the current 17 cents a pack. Taxes on other tobacco products would rise 20 percent.

The tobacco group is the second to announce opposition to the ballot measure. The Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association previously announced plans to place placards atop gas pumps and distribute fliers opposing the tax.

Both groups say the tax increase could prompt smokers to buy cigarettes in neighboring states or over the Web, hurting Missouri businesses. They also contend the 324 percent tax increase on cigarettes places an unfair burden on one segment of Missourians.

Ron Spidle, a spokesman for the new opposition group, said, if voters approve the tobacco tax increase, proposals may follow to raise taxes on other so-called vices, such as alcohol or fast food."

http://www.ky3.com/newsdetailed.asp?id=3513