Nebraska Lawmaker Wants to Raise Cigarette Tax by $1.50

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s cigarette tax could increase by $1.50 per pack under a bill proposed to the Legislature.

Sen. Mike Gloor of Grand Island introduced a bill Friday that would increase the state tax per pack of cigarettes from 64 cents to $2.14.

The measure would generate an estimated $120 million, which would be used for property tax relief and a variety of health care programs.

The bill notes that tobacco kills 2,200 Nebraskans a year and price increases are the most effective way to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth.