Tagged: tobacco tax

The authority of the Missouri auditor to write financial estimates for ballot initiatives is under scrutiny by the state Supreme Court.

The high court heard arguments Monday on whether a law directing the auditor to prepare the financial estimates exceeds the limits of the auditor's authority spelled out in the Missouri Constitution.

Regional coverage from the KBIA newsroom, including:

• Missouri House members approved legislation trimming taxes on businesses.
• Warming temperatures could cause more unhealthy air.
• Petitions submitted for Missouri tobacco tax increase.
• Missouri hospitals reporting shortages of pharmaceutical drugs.

You have probably heard the statistic: Missouri has the lowest cigarette tax in the nation – just 17 cents a pack, compared to the national average of $1.46. In this week's Health & Wealth update, public health advocates want to raise Missouri's tobacco tax to deter people from smoking, and to help offset the costs that tobacco incurs.