Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has proposed raising the state cigarette tax to match the national average and introducing a new 15% tax on vaping and consumable hemp products. This initiative aims to combat Iowa’s high lung cancer rates by targeting tobacco use, which is linked to 80% of lung cancer cases.
Key Takeaways:
- Cigarette Tax Hike: Proposal to raise tax to ~$2.00 per pack.
- New Vape Tax: A 15% tax on vaping and consumable hemp products.
- Health Focus: Driven by University of Iowa research on high cancer rates.
- Personal Connection: The Governor’s husband is a lung cancer survivor.
Governor Kim Reynolds has confirmed a proposal to increase taxes on cigarettes and introduce new levies on vaping products. This development occurs amidst alarming data regarding Iowa’s high lung cancer rates, directly resulting in a push for legislative action to curb tobacco use and improve public health.
Targeting the Root Cause: Tobacco and Cancer
Governor Reynolds is taking a direct approach to Iowa’s cancer crisis. Citing national statistics that attribute 80% of lung cancer cases to tobacco, she emphasized the necessity of these measures. “I think it’s something that we need to take very seriously,” Reynolds stated.
The proposal includes two significant financial changes:
- Cigarettes: Raising the state tax to meet the national average, approximately just over $2.00 per pack.
- Vapes & Hemp: Implementing a new 15% tax on vaping products and consumable hemp items.
Research and Personal Motivation
The initiative is backed by preliminary data from University of Iowa researchers, who found that Iowa suffers from a higher rate of late-stage lung cancer compared to other states. Reynolds noted, “The numbers aren’t good for lung cancer, they’re really not.”
The Governor’s commitment is also personal. Her husband, Kevin Reynolds, was diagnosed with a fast-growing form of lung cancer in 2023 despite never being a smoker. His successful treatment and remission have fueled her drive to transform cancer care and prevention in the state.
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