AWMA Signs Onto Coalition Letter to House of Representatives Urging “NO” Vote on Tobacco Excise Tax Increase

AWMA recently signed onto a coalition letter expressing concern over any new legislative initiative that would increase the federal excise tax on tobacco products.  The letter was sent to those members of the House of Representatives that opposed such an effort in the past and urges those members to continue to oppose any increase in the FET on tobacco.  To see a copy of the letter that AWMA and the coalition sent to members of Congress, click HERE.

AWMA has notified our members as to the possibility of legislation coming up when Congress returns in September that would significantly expand the low-income children’s health insurance program known as SCHIP through an increase in the FET on tobacco.  Despite defeating this issue some months ago, lawmakers have recently indicated that this issue will be debated again after the August recess and AWMA has been working to ensure that our lawmakers are aware of our concerns over such an effort.

In addition to the coalition letter, AWMA sent a letter to members of the House of Representatives earlier this month letting them know of our opposition to any Federal Excise Tax increase on tobacco.  AWMA also has launched a grassroots effort to defeat this tax increase effort and has made a pre-written letter available on our Web site that members may send to their lawmakers letting them know of their concerns on this issue.