Phillip Morris is trying to mobilize opposition to a big increase in Wisconsin's cigarette tax. The company has sent a mailing to cigarette smokers in the state, asking them to call lawmakers in opposition to a proposed $1.25 a pack increase in the tobacco tax. Phillip Morris says the tax is unfair because it amounts to a 160 percent increase for smokers.
However, State Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona) doesn't think it's unfair. He also doubts the lobbying effort will kill the cigarette tax effort. Miller says it's one area where there's bi-partisan support for the revenue increase the tax would provide, which is estimated to be an extra $550 million over the next two years. Miller says many also believe the tax will help reduce the amount of youth smoking in the state.