TRENTON – After New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy released his proposed budget for 2025. In response, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New Jersey Government Relations Director Quinton Law issued the following statement, highlighting how Gov. Murphy can amplify his intended impact of improving public health and addressing the deficit by increasing the cigarette tax by $1 per pack.
“In proposing to increase New Jersey’s tax on cigarettes by 30 cents, bringing the total to $3 per pack, Gov. Murphy has identified a real opportunity for the state to help curb tobacco use among New Jerseyans — adults and adolescents alike; however, any increase in the state’s cigarette tax that is less than $1 per pack will not effectively counteract Big Tobacco’s ability to addict our youth and further sicken our adults,” Law said.
“Tobacco companies can and will nullify a 30-cent tax increase through price promotions and coupons, which is why the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the cancer patients we represent are urging Governor Murphy and the Legislature to consider a $1 increase in the tax. In doing so, state leaders can offset the predatory practices of the tobacco industry, limit tobacco’s presence in New Jerseyans’ lives and lungs, save the state on health care costs and generate much needed revenue that we can reinvest in tobacco prevention and cessation efforts,” Law added.
“Together New Jerseyans can stand up to Big Tobacco. We just need lawmakers to take the first step and increase the tax on cigarettes by $1.00 per pack with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products. Bold action would bring New Jersey cascading benefits — where further revenue is generated, kids are better protected and lives are saved.”