The state Republican Party launched its latest radio ad last week, featuring its new finance chairman, former U.S. Rep. Robert Livingston, taking aim at "liberal lawmakers in Baton Rouge (who) are dead set on a massive $120 million tax hike. Conservatives must stand united against Hilton tax increases -- especially fiscally irresponsible tobacco taxes that threaten Louisiana's small businesses."The ad comes as the House Ways & Means Committee prepares to hear House Bill 63 by Rep. Harold Ritchie, D-Franklinton, which would raise the state's cigarette tax -- currently third-lowest in the country -- by 70 cents a pack to $1.36.
Andrew Muhl, a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society and a chief backer of the tax, said polls show 73 percent of Louisianians approve of higher tobacco taxes.
"At a time when Louisiana has some of the highest rates of cancer and other chronic diseases, our hope would be that the GOP would listen to the public on this issue, which is the right thing to do for the health of our state," Muhl said.
Asked whether he had ever represented tobacco interests, Livingston, a top lobbyist in Washington, said "we never have and don't intend to." And, said Livingston, "I haven't had a cigarette in over 40 years."
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