by Mark Kovac
Capital Bureau Chief
Columbus -- Anti-smoking advocates continued their push for higher taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products at the Statehouse March 17.
The Investing in Tobacco-Free Youth Coalition has been calling for a doubling of the state's cigarette tax, to $2.50 per pack from the current $1.25, and an equalization of taxes on cigars, snuff and other tobacco products, which are currently taxed at lower rates than cigarettes.
Supporters say the changes would bring in about $400 million in tax revenues, which the state could use for health and smoking cessation programs.
"All our polling shows that voters are in favor of this," said Beverly May, regional advocacy director of the coalition.
The coalition has long sought legislative support for the moves. So far, no lawmakers have taken up the cause and introduced the tax increases in bill form.