Push to Raise Tobacco Taxes in North Dakota

Tobacco foes want the North Dakota Legislature to raise the state’s tobacco tax for the first time since 1993.

Rugby Republican Rep. Jon Nelson wants to raise the tax from 44 cents a pack to $1.54.

The tax on a can of snuff would jump from 60 cents to $2.72.

The increase would raise over $138 million over the next two years.

Nelson says the tax would act as an incentive to quit smoking, as well as raise money for health programs.

Retailers and the state Chamber of Commerce oppose the bill.