SSR 2007-09

A Resolution for: Support of the increase of the state tobacco tax by $1.00.

Sponsored by: GALA

First Reading: February 21, 2007

Vote: 19-3-1

Presidential Action: ____________________________________________________________

Malia Engelbach- Speaker Date

WHEREAS: The Northern Iowa Student Government realizes for the health of the
student body and all Iowans, the state of Iowa is in need of increasing the state
tobacco tax by $1.00; and

RECOGNIZING: 71 %of Iowans support a $1.00 increase in the state tobacco tax;
and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: An estimated 20% of Iowa high school and 7% of Iowa

middle school students smoke cigarettes in Iowa1; and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: 20% of all adults in Iowa smoke2; and

FURTHER RECONGNIZING: The last time the tobacco tax was increased in Iowa
was
June 1st, 19913; and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: Smoking related low birth weights account for $1.5
million in Iowa Medicaid costs annually4; and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: In 2001, Iowans spent an estimated $4 million to treat

infants with smoking related diseases; and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: Iowa Medicaid program spends approximately $277

million to treat tobacco related illnesses5; and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: Each Iowan pays roughly $568 each year in state and
federal taxes to pay for the costs of smoking-related illnesses6; and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: The $1.00 increase in the tobacco tax will reduce youth

1
2004 Iowa Youth Tobacco Survey
2
2004 Iowa Adult Tobacco Survey
3
http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0099.pdf
4
Smoking Attributable Morbidity and Mortality Calculations. U.S. Centers for Disease Control
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Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
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Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
smoking by 19.3%7; and
FURTHER RECOGNIZING: For every 1000 youth that are prevented from smoking
will cut future health care costs by $16 million;8 and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: The $1.00 increase in the tobacco tax will lower the
total adult smokers by 20,9009; and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: For every 1000 adults that quit smoking, future health
care costs will decrease by $8 million10; and

FURTHER RECOGNIZING: Iowa’s current cigarette tax of $0.36 a pack is ranked

42nd out of the 50 states11; and

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: That the Northern Iowa Student Government provides the
support of legislation that increases $1.00 in the tobacco tax.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of the Resolution be sent to: Governor

Chet Culver, all members of the State of Iowa House of Representatives, all
members of the State of Iowa Senate, President Allen, Provost Lubker, members of
the Board of Regents, and all appropriate media outlets.

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Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
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Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
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Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
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Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
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Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids