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As a doctor, and specifically as a pediatrician, I was thrilled to see Gov. Janet Mills include an increase to the cigarette tax in her proposed budget, taking direct action against Maine’s No. 1 cause of preventable death and disease.
I have seen first hand the impacts of tobacco use and nicotine addiction, and increasing taxes on tobacco is an evidenced-based policy toward improving public health. While a recent column portrayed this tax as regressive, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals, this perspective overlooks the long-term health benefits and the role of public policy in addressing the root causes of smoking.
A likely goal of the tax increase is to reduce smoking rates, by both curbing youth initiation and urging current tobacco users to make a quit attempt. Studies show that higher cigarette taxes are one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking, leading to better health outcomes for all.
Additionally, the revenue generated from this tax can be reinvested into health programs, addiction treatment and smoking cessation resources — directly benefiting those affected by tobacco use. Maine has one of the best tobacco treatment programs with free counseling and nicotine replacement therapy.
Rather than being regressive, this tax increase is a necessary step toward promoting healthier lifestyles and creating a stronger, healthier community for everyone.
As a board member of the American Lung Association, I urge the Legislature to move forward with the governor’s proposal and encourage anyone struggling with tobacco addiction to make a quit attempt by visiting https://mainequitlink.com or calling 1-800-LUNG-USA to learn about free resources available.
Lizzie Baker
Harpswell
