Tagged: proposition b

Columbia's school board has come out in favor of a state ballot measure that would raise the state's cigarette tax and possibly bring money to public schools.

Proposition B is a proposed tobacco tax on November's ballot. It would raise taxes on cigarettes purchased in Missouri, which is currently ranked 11th in smoking rates and has the lowest cigarette tax of any state. The proposed tax would move Missouri to 36th place in nation-wide cigarette taxes and some of the money collected would be used to fund public schools.

Smokers won't be the only ones affected if Missouri voters decide to raise the tobacco tax in November. If Proposition B passes, part of the extra tax proceeds will benefit the MU Medical School.

The medical school is collaborating with CoxHealth and Mercy health systems in Springfield to construct the city’s first clinical campus. CoxHealth Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Sontheimer says the tobacco tax initiative would mean a speedier process for this new clinical campus to become a reality.

A proposition on the November ballot that aims to increase the tobacco tax is picking up support. Missouri’s Coordinating Board for Higher Education is the latest to advocate for higher tax rates on cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Proposition B represents the third attempt to increase Missouri’s low tax rate on tobacco products, and while previous proposals were turned down by the state’s residents in 2002 and 2006, this year’s version has steadily gained support.