Cigarette Tax
Legislative Update
On Tuesday, May 27, the SC House of Representatives sustained the Governor's veto of the cigarette tax in a 57-54 vote.
In order to override the veto, we would have needed a 2/3 vote of those present -- approximately 74 votes. The debate was very passionate. Almost all speakers (both for and against the veto) said that they supported a cigarette tax increase. The argument continued to focus on how the dollars were to be spent.
While we are disappointed about the outcome of this vote, we are still very pleased with the significant progress that we made on the cigarette tax this year. A 50-cent tax increase passed both bodies and actually made it to the Governor's desk.
In addition to missing out on the opportunity to implement this historic public health initiative, the bill's failure to pass also means that our legislators cut the only funding available this year for smoking prevention and cessation programs.
We will continue to keep you posted as we analyze this year's campaign and start developing strategies for next year. On behalf of all of the partners of the South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative, thank you for everything that you did to help us take these major steps forward. Your voice and your vote will continue to be critical as we move toward future action on a cigarette tax increase in South Carolina.
To find your legislator's contact information, visit www.scstatehouse.net.