GUEST COMMENTARY: Yes on tobacco tax for your children, grandchildren

COLUMBIA – Missouri’s tobacco tax is 17 cents per pack, by far the lowest in the nation. The national average is $1.49 per pack. Proposition B on the November ballot adds 73 cents in taxes to each pack of cigarettes. This new tax will generate more than $250 million, revenue specifically designated for elementary, high school and college education, as well as supporting tobacco prevention and cessation. Price increases at this level leads to a reduction in cigarette smoking, together with a spike in demand for smoking cessation programs.