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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 5, 2016 01:37 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jeff C. Wheeland |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | E-Cig Vaping – Protecting Lives and Livelihoods Legislation |
| As part of the 2016-17 budget, this General Assembly passed a 40 percent tax on electronic cigarettes and vaping. Unbeknownst to many, this punitive tax on current inventory has many of Pennsylvania's 300 vape shops ready to close their doors before the tax takes effect on October 1. If these small businesses do decide to close and lay off workers, not only will the new vape tax revenues fall short of estimates, but the state may lose significant sales and income tax revenues. Moreover, several health policy experts have deemed vaping a safer alternative to cigarettes as it allows many smokers to scale back their nicotine habit. Higher vaping prices and shop closures take away this path to quitting. For these reasons, I am introducing legislation that replaces the 40 percent tax with a 5-cents-per-milliliter tax as implemented in North Carolina and Louisiana. My proposal will protect our small business owners, generate tax revenue, and keep cigarette alternatives on the market. Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation. Any questions, please call Cindy Abbott at 717-787-2885. |
Introduced as HB2342