Raise the State Cigarette Tax? Conversations with Leaders from Both Sides

By Denis O'Hayer

Atlanta, GA – Georgia legislators are considering a bill that would raise the state's cigarette tax by $1 per pack. Supporters claim it won't just save lives; it will raise $354 million a year for the beleaguered state treasury. Opponents say it won't raise anything close to that. WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with Jim Tudor, President of the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores, who opposes the bill; and with Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), author of the cigarette tax bill.