Kentucky Smokers Might Have to Pay More for Cigarettes

Smokers might have to pay more in Kentucky for cigarettes if a proposal to raise the cigarette tax passes. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform suggests raising the tax from $.60 a pack to $1. Governor Steve Beshear appointed the tax panel earlier this year to simplify the tax code and generate enough revenue to meet the state’s needs. The group has ruled out some less popular proposals like implementing a 6 percent tax on groceries that would have brought in $500 million annually. They also tossed aside a proposal to reinstate an estate tax. Beshear could see the panel’s recommendations as early as next month.