Del. Krupicka Bill Aims to Raise $500 Million a Year for Schools from Hike in Cigarette Tax

A bill introduced by Del. Rob Krupicka in the 2015 legislative session which has kicked off this week in Richmond would raise $500 million a year for education by raising taxes on cigarettes and taxing e-cigarettes.

Krupicka, who represents the 45th District in the House of Delegates, which includes parts of Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County, has introduced two bills focused on increasing funding for schools. One will create a tax for the sale of tobacco for electronic cigarettes.

Krupicka’s bill proposes a 40-cent per milliliter of nicotine liquid solution or other material containing nicotine that is depleted as the vapor product is used. Like the cigarette tax, revenues raised from the sale of E-cigarettes will go toward healthcare expenses. Localities will have the option to raise the tax to a higher level and to use the additional money for Pre-Kindergarten related costs.

The second bill would raise Virginia’s cigarette tax rate from 30 cents a pack, currently the lowest in the country, to $2 a pack, to match the average rate on the East Coast and earmark new revenue for education. See a map here showing the tax rate in each state, from tobaccofreekids.org.

The bill has support from co-patrons Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington), Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston), Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church), and Del. Vivian Watts (D-Annandale)

The increase in the tax rate would create an estimated additional $500 million a year for schools.

Delegate Krupicka stated, “There have been too many years of constrained resources for our schools combined with higher expectations for our teachers and students. Local governments have had to bear a higher and higher share of education costs. Our education system is our economic engine and we have to ensure it is primed for success.”

“I know many of my colleagues hate the idea of raising taxes.” He continued, “Bringing Virginia’s cigarette taxes, which are the lowest in the country, in line with the average on the east coast will prevent more cuts to education, support teachers and lower illegal cigarette trafficking that is funding terrorists. This bill allows us to fund our schools and curtail illegal cigarette trafficking. This should be a win for everyone in Virginia.”

Krupicka has long been a leader on education issues in Virginia since his time on the State Board of Education.

PHOTO: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH