Tobacco tax proposal should be approved

Sinking oil and gas prices have lawmakers scrambling for revenue sources to augment state coffers.

Sen. Howie Morales, D-Silver City, has trained his eye on one of the so-called “sin taxes” — a tax on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque, also has a bill that would tax e-cigarettes.

Morales’ legislation to increase taxes on all tobacco products could add an estimated $33 million a year to the $82.4 million the state already collects by taxing tobacco. The extra money would go to the state Children, Youth and Families Department for early childhood education programs.

Despite its good intentions and revenue-boosting potential, enactment isn’t a sure thing. If passed by both chambers, it could test Gov. Susana Martinez’s pledge of no tax increases.

Morales’ bill has the support of health groups including the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association because of its goals of discouraging young people from using tobacco products and encouraging smokers to quit. Health problems stemming from tobacco use have been widely known for years and include cancer, heart disease and lung diseases. Unfortunately, many people who are addicted to something usually can find a way to pay for their addictions.

But at the end of the day, taxing tobacco products offers a way to boost funding for early childhood education without endangering any of New Mexico’s permanent funds. Lawmakers should consider approving this tax increase.

— Albuquerque Journal