Massachusetts cigarette tax jumps $1 per pack..

July 7, 2008 - Governor Deval Patrick signed the bill Tuesday, July 1, 2008, a day after House (approved by a 93-52 vote) and Senate (approved by a 26-9 vote) lawmakers rushed to approve the bill by the start of the new fiscal year. The increase brings Massachusetts' cigarette tax to $2.51 per pack. New York has the highest cigarette tax in the nation at $2.75 per pack. Supporters say the tax increase would help raise $174 million in revenues. They say the extra money will go to help cover the cost of the state's landmark health care law. Vermont's cigarette tax rate climbs by 20 cents to $1.99 per pack effective Tuesday, a jump that follows a 60-cents-per-pack increase in 2006. New Hampshire's cigarette tax, now $1.08 per pack, is slated to jump to $1.33 in October if it doesn't , generate at least $48 million in revenues between July 2008 and October 2008. Reference: Mass. cigarette tax jumps $1 per pack by Steve Leblanc, Boston.com - Associated Press, 7/1/2008. Related news briefs: The primary reason to increase the tax on tobacco is to get smokers to quit and dissuade kids from starting.. and Massachusetts (MA) Likely to Increase Tobacco tax.. Click on image to enlarge.. (TobaccoWatch.org)