“A “yes” vote supports the measure to increase taxes on tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems (such as e-cigarettes) to fund the state’s Medical Assistance Program and other healthcare-related programs.
A “no” vote opposes the measure to increase taxes on tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems (such as e-cigarettes) to fund the state’s Medical Assistance Program and other healthcare-related programs,” reads an excerpt from Ballot Pedia.
On the 20th of August, Gov. Kate Brown received recommendations to set in place a number of e-cigarettes’ restrictions including; a ban on flavoured products and harmful additives, increased e-cig prices, setting in place a tobacco retail licensure, and banning online sales. Oregon’s Vaping Public Health Work Group said the aim of these restrictions would be to address the infamous “vape-related” illness – EVALI and the youth vaping epidemic.
Measure 108
Meanwhile, Measure 108 proposes an increase in taxes on tobacco and alternative nicotine products as follows:
- “cigarette tax at 16.65 cents per cigarette, which is an increase from $1.33 to $3.33 per 20-pack of cigarettes;
- e-cigarettes and other nicotine inhalants at a rate of 65% of the wholesale sales price; and
- cigar tax cap of 65% of the wholesale sales price, not to exceed $1.00 per cigar, an increase from $0.50.”
If passed, the measure would go into effect on January 1st, 2021. The revenue obtained from this tax would firstly go towards covering any expenses derived from the administration and enforcement of the tax. The remaining revenue would be going towards the Oregon Health Authority for medical and healthcare-assistance programs, including mental health services, tribal health providers, including Urban Indian Health Program, and other programs concerned with smoking cessation.
