Anchorage Assembly Raises Cigarette Tax

Len Anderson, KSKA - AnchorageAnchorage will have the second highest tax on cigarettes of any city in the country in January.   The Anchorage Assembly last night raised the tax to $2.21 per pack.  Chairman Dick Traini sponsored the tax hike, saying he hoped it would be a deterrent to smoking among youth.Three members voted against it, saying the poor will feel it the most.The tax increase is expected to raise $5-6 million more a year.  Traini wants that money to offset property taxes.  The Mayor's budget proposes taxing less than the property tax cap.Download Audio (MP3)