Lawmakers to consider boost in Idaho cigarette tax

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - State lawmakers are expected to consider a bill that would significantly boost taxes on cigarettes in Idaho during the upcoming session.

Rep. Dennis Lake, the Republican who heads the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, said Thursday he has agreed to sponsor a bill supported by health groups to increase the cigarette tax by $1.25 per pack.

Lake detailed the proposal at a legislative preview sponsored by The Associated Press.

A pitch for any tax increases will face a tough fight in the 2011 session with the conservative turn of the Idaho Legislature during the November election.

But Lake says his bill to increase Idaho's 57-cent-per-pack cigarette tax may find favor because of the savings it could bring in health care-related costs associated cigarettes and other tobacco products.