At 9:00 a.m., Monday, June 8th, the Louisiana Healthier Families Act will be heard before the House Ways and Means Committee, announced Speaker Pro Tempore Karen Carter Peterson.

The Louisiana Healthier Families Act was originally introduced before the Ways and Means Committee on April 28, proposing a $1.00 tax increase on tobacco products.  However, the measure failed to pass with 7 yeas to 11 nays. The bill is being reintroduced as HB 889, imposing a moderated $0.50 increase on tobacco products.

“I’ve always been told, ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,’” said Rep. Peterson. “It is becoming increasingly clear that our state cannot sustain the vital needs of our Louisianans in the areas of health care and higher education.  Unfortunately, the clock continues to wind down with no solutions.  We are running out of time.  Therefore, I am trying again..”

It is estimated that a $0.50 tax increase on tobacco products will reduce the state’s youth smoking rate by 7 percent - while generating upwards of $127 million a year. The money generated by the tax could be used to draw down nearly a half-billion dollars in federal matches that would otherwise remain on the shelf.  This would also free up money to be used for higher education. 

“It’s pretty simple,” said Andrew Muhl of the American Cancer Society, “this legislation saves lives and generates much needed revenue for our state. Six other states have passed similar legislation in the past six months and have received substantial dollars to fill their budget gaps.  Louisianans cannot afford to continue falling behind the pack, literally.”

A recent poll done by the Mellman Group shows about three out of four Louisianans support the bill, Republicans and Democrats alike. About half of the smokers in the state approve of the increase as well.

“The people of Louisiana are hungry for solutions,” continued Rep. Peterson, “and I believe the public outcry in support of the Louisiana Healthier Families Act is a strong indication of that. As a public official, it is my duty to represent the people who elected me and their will is clear. I hope my colleagues hold their constituents in the same respect.”

The Louisiana Republican Party and Governor Bobby Jindal has opposed this legislation.  Supporters of the legislation have felt that both have ignored the "health and safety" of the average citizen of Louisiana, are supporters of "big tobacco"  and in favor of a national policy of rejecting any revenue increases during the times of an uncertain economy at the sake of the health needs of Louisiana citizens.    Supporters of the legislation also claim that this bill will discourage the youth from smoking and coupled with federal money would actually increase revenues to the state.

Various retailers opposed the legislation when it first failed in the House Ways and Means testifying that it would hurt their respective businesses at a risky economic time.  During the first hearing, the bill was supported by the likes of the AARP, the Catholic Church and many health groups.    Supporters of the legislation attempted to bring up the legislation weeks ago, however, they claim the legislation was hijacked by the Jindal administration who "invited" two house members to the 4th floor during the hearing which caused the legislation to be deferred.  

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