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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2002
PR-170-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS
CIGARETTE TAX LEGISLATION

Testimony by Mayor Bloomberg During Public Hearing on Local Law


"The bill before me today is Pre-considered Introductory Number 230-A, sponsored at my request by Council Member Weprin. The bill increases the tax rate on cigarettes from eight cents per pack of twenty to $1.50 per pack. This local law will take effect July 1, 2002.

"The City's increase follows the combined increases recently instituted by the State and Federal governments. New York State recently increased their total tax to $1.50.

"We all know that smoking kills. And increasing the cigarette tax saves lives.

"According to the Health Department this tax will prevent over 33,000 premature deaths among City children and over 1,200 additional premature deaths among the children born in the City each year. Recent studies indicate that when you raise the price of cigarettes it reduces smoking among youth. As an example, one study indicates that a 22% tax increase would reduce smoking among youth by 15%. In New York City, this translates into roughly 70,000 less smokers, which will prevent more than 20,000 additional premature deaths.

"Reducing the number of smokers will assist in addressing smoking-related illnesses and reduce the tremendous burden smoking has placed on the City's public health system. This may be the most important measure my administration takes to save people's lives.

"In addition to saving thousands of lives the tax will also raise money. Increasing the cigarette tax is one of the proposals that the City Council and I have agreed upon that will provide much needed financial assistance in closing the City's $4.8 billion budget gap. This bill will generate approximately $111 million in additional revenue for the City of New York for fiscal year 2003 and $116 million for fiscal year 2004."

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Jordan Barowitz
(212) 788-2958