A new report from the American Lung Association is urging Maine lawmakers to focus on increasing taxes on all tobacco products.
The 2025 State of Tobacco Control report evaluates state and federal policies on actions taken to eliminate tobacco use.
The Lung Association is recommending for Maine to increase the tax on cigarettes by at least $2.00 per pack.
Governor Janet Mills is proposing to raise to cigarette tax by $1 per pack in her current state budget plan.
The Lung Association says revenue from a $2.00 per pack tax hike should be used to preserve full funding of Maine’s tobacco prevention and control program and align program spending with the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) best practices
The organization is also recommending the state make a goal out of reducing the overwhelming human and financial burden of tobacco use.
It’s also recommending increasing taxes on all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, as one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth.
The report graded Maine in five different areas:
Funding for state tobacco prevention programs – Grade A
Strength of smokefree workplace laws – Grade B
Level of state tobacco taxes – Grade C
Coverage and access to services to quit tobacco – Grade A
Ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products – Grade F
