Colorado Says ‘No’ to Tobacco Tax Increase

Amendment 72, the cigarette tax hike proposal, failed to pass as of early Wednesday morning.

According to The New York Times, about 53% of voters in Colorado gave 72 a “nay” with all precincts reporting.  Denver and Boulder counties contributed to the strongest support for 72, with “yes” votes accounting for about 60% of the votes in each county, respectively.

Michelle Lyng, who is a spokesperson for the No on 72 campaign, branded the amendment as “deeply flawed” and expressed satisfaction that the measure was rejected.

Boulder-based retailer Smoker Friendly took opposition to 72 prior to the election and Mary Szarmach, co-owner of Smoker Friendly International, named the amendment “disastrous.” She cited a misuse of funds by the state, much of which has come from tobacco companies.

Dr. David C. Goff Jr., who is the dean of the Colorado School of Public Health, expressed dismay at the defeat of Amendment 72.  He says the defeat is a “step backwards in improving our health,” and believes that kids have been let down as a result.

Colorado smokers will narrowly escape the extra $2.59 on the next pack of cigarettes they purchase.  It will be interesting to see what, if any, new tobacco tax increase proposals find their way onto future Colorado ballots.