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Missouri's Judiciary Committee Chair Predicts Tax Increase Results

Missouri's Senate Judiciary Committee Chair is taking a hands-off approach to a proposed cigarette tax increase. Kristen Commander has more from Jefferson City.

Jackson County's Republican Senator, Matt Bartle, isn't pushing for or opposing a cigarette tax increase. Bartle says voters need to understand that money from the tax will help fund Medicaid. But Bartle says he won't take a stand.

Currently at 17 cents, the cigarette tax would increase the tax to 97 cents a pack. If approved by voters, the tax would raise $351 million dollars in the first year.

From the State Capital, I'm Kristen Commander

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A top Republican leader predicts Missourians won't pass a cigarette tax increase. Kristen Commander has more from Jefferson City.

Missouri's Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, Senator Matt Bartle, says attitudes haven't changed since Missourians voted against past cigarette tax increases and he doesn't expect them to.

The American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association are all fighting for a state wide vote on the tax increase. The proposal needs 150,000 signatures to get on the ballot for the November 2006 vote.

From the State Capital, I'm Kristen Commander