Cigarette taxes are a rare tool in a legislator’s arsenal. They can, in theory, raise revenue for the government and reduce smoking at the same time, which appeals to much of the public. But, as with every policy, there are no cost-free options. Everything, even tobacco taxes, comes with trade-offs and the certainty of unintended consequences. The tax increase being considered would catapult D.C.’s cigarette tax from $2.94 to $4.94 per pack, putting the city ahead of even New York State’s infamously high $4.35-a-pack tax. While anti-smoking groups may relish such a prospect, there are reasons to be highly skeptical that this new tax will raise anything like the revenue hoped for or accelerat... [Read more]