50-Cent Cigarette Tax Increase Passes Senate Panel
posted 5:40 pm Tue April 01, 2008 - Columbia, SC
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(AP) A proposal to raise South Carolina's cigarette tax by 50 cents a pack and use the money to expand state Medicaid programs has been passed by a Senate committee.
The tax would generate about $160 million and when combined with federal funds will mean an additional $500 million for the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, disabled and elderly.
The Senate Finance Committee rejected plans to use the cigarette tax to pay for health insurance tax credits amid complaints that it would generate only $467 per individual which would not be close to the typical $4,000 annual cost.
The tax increase passed on a 14-8 vote but faces a tough fight on the Senate floor as early as this week.
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