As lawmakers get set to consider a proposed $1.25 a pack increase for cigarettes, a new poll shows many Wisconsin residents would support such a tax hike. The survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies shows 64-percent of Wisconsinites are in favor of the higher rate. Only 35-percent were against the increase.
Patrick Lanne with Public Opinion Strategies says the proposal is receiving support in several areas, including among smokers. Of those surveyed, 35-percent said they favored raising the tobacco tax.
Lanne says the survey also shows a growing concern for tobacco-related problems in the state. He says over half of the sample wants to see something done about tobacco use among youth. Money from the increase would go towards youth smoking prevention programs and covering tobacco-related healthcare costs.
The poll surveyed 500 likely voters statewide. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percent.