US edges closer to federal tax hike on tobacco products...

September 19, 2007 - US edges closer to federal tax hike on tobacco products... Lawmakers in the US’ House of Representatives and Senate are moving closer to an agreement that would use funds from a massive federal cigarette excise increase to expand funding for the State Child Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP), according to a Washington Post report. Under the plan, the federal excise on cigarettes would be increased from 39¢ to $1 a pack to pay a large proportion of a $35 billion increase over the next five years in state programs that provide health insurance for children. (Tobacco Reporter) Renewal of the children’s insurance program, which is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2007 is the most important health care issue facing Congress this year, lawmakers of both parties say. See related stories:July 28, 2007 July 18, 2007 and July 9, 2007. We have to remember that a vast majority of smokers do not want their children to share their addiction. That's why a slight majority of smokers support higher cigarette taxes -- and a strong majority support cessation programs and programs to keep children from smoking (using any tobacco product).