Its time for Montana to raise its tobacco taxOur view

Its time for Montana to raise its tobacco tax

Our view

Where Montana ranks among the 50 states is often the subject of news stories. One should be careful when comparing our state with others. However, some rankings can't be and shouldn't be ignored, and should serve as a blueprint for action for our state.

One glaring example is Montana's tobacco tax, which ranks 48th among states in lowest tobacco taxes paid by tobacco users. Montana's state cigarette excise tax is just 18 cents per pack. This is the 12th lowest tax rate, and the third lowest effective tax rate in the nation. (The effective...