The Kentucky Health Department Association is an organization dedicated to protecting and improving the health of Kentuckians. Our Commonwealth’s children have long been the focus of many of the health department services. Prevention of the early childhood initiation of tobacco usage is quintessential for the furtherance of health improvement. The rate of smoking for the Kentucky’s high school students is 37% compared to the national average of 28%. Kentucky’s middle school children smoke at a rate more than twice the national average at 21.5%, compared to 9.2%. These rates are the highest for any state in the nation

Increasing the price of cigarettes has been proven to be the most effective way to reduce youth tobacco use. A higher tobacco excise tax in Kentucky will lower youth cigarette consumption and prevent early initiation of tobacco usage resulting in improved workforce productivity, reduced health care cost, increased lifespan and an overall improved well-being. The Kentucky cigarette excise tax at 3 cents per pack has not been raised since 1970. It is the second lowest rate in the nation, and an amazing 1400% below the national average of 42 cents a pack.

The Kentucky Health Department Association supports legislation that would significantly increase the excise tax on a pack of cigarettes, thereby decreasing youth consumption and saving the lives of our most valuable but vulnerable population-our children.

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