Washington State Hikes Cigarette Tax

OLYMPIA, Washington—The overwhelming approval of a significant tax increase on cigarettes by the residents of Washington State has raised hopes among public health groups that other states will follow suit. By a margin of 65% to 35%, Washington voters approved a state ballot initiative that raised the tax on cigarettes by 60 cents to $1.42 a pack. Washington’s excise tax on cigarettes is now the nation’s highest, followed by New York state at $1.11 a pack.