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Legislative Issues

New Wisconsin State Budget Increases Tobacco Tax

In October 2007, the Wisconsin Legislature passed and Governor Doyle signed the state budget which implements a $1 per pack cigarette tax increase on January 1, 2008. At $1.77 per pack, Wisconsin's cigarette tax is the 11th highest in the nation. Additionally, the tax on moist snuff products has increased to $1.31 per ounce, and the tax rate on other tobacco products has increased from 25% to 50%.

Illinois Passes Fire Safe Cigarette Legislation

On May 19, 2006, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 2302 into law. As of January 1, 2008, all cigarettes sold in Illinois must be certified as low ignition according to standards established by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

The States of Wisconsin and Michigan are also considering fire safe cigarette bills at this time.