By raising tobacco taxes, Kentucky has succeeded in lowering smoking rates and has seen significant revenue declines in recent years. The American Lung Association has recommended further tax increases and increased regulation of the youth vape problem.
According to a July 15 report by the Kentucky Public Service News Center, the latest data show that a Kentucky tax policy aimed at reducing smoking rates has had significant results. The state legislature raised the tobacco tax to $60 per pack in 2011.
Kentucky’s adult smoking rate has decreased from nearly 30 percent to 17.4 percent in 2022. In 2018. When the tobacco tax was increased again by $50 to $1.10 per pack. The adult smoking rate dropped further to 17.4 percent.
While Shannon Baker. Director of Advocacy for Kentucky. Tennessee, and Arkansas the American Lung Association, is unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the decline in smoking rates. Raising tobacco taxes would certainly be an effective means of lowering smoking rates; she suggests that Kentucky should further increase its tobacco tax by at least $1.00, and consider imposing the same tax rate on all tobacco tar commodities.
While tobacco tax revenues increased for a time after rates were raised in 2011 and 2018, revenues declined 24 percent from 2019 to 2024. Shannon Baker emphasized that in addition to increasing taxes, it is important to increase funding for state tobacco control programs. Strictly enforce laws prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to minors, and reduce youth dependence on tobacco tar.
Additionally, the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that 5.3 percent of Kentucky high school students report currently smoking cigarettes and 19.7 percent report using vape brands. Among middle school students, 2.2 percent said they smoke and 12.8 percent said they use e-cigarette brands. Baker noted that the impact of e-cigarettes on reducing smoking rates cannot be ignored. She called for addressing the issue of e-cigarette smoking among youth. Tightening controls on cigarette retailers, and ensuring enforcement of laws that strictly prohibit the sale of cigarettes to minors.
