Oregon ranks lower than national average for Tobacco taxes, according to study

OREGON - The American Cancer Society released its annual report that ranks states on access to care and prevention of cancer.

Oregon ranks lower than the national average for taxes on tobacco products. Because of this, we talked to state lawmakers to find out why we haven't matched other states and what other measures are being taken to reduce tobacco use.

Over the years, the price of tobacco has gone up considerably, which is something that store owner Gary Christopherson, owner of the Little Y Market, has seen first hand.

"Right now, at 8 dollars a pack, that's 240 a month, that's a lot of money to spend on cigarettes," said Christopherson. "That could be somebody's car payment or even part of rent for the month."

Yet, Oregon has tobacco taxes that are about 40 cents lower than the national average, according to a report from the American Cancer Society.

"I don't think raising taxes on tobacco products is going to solve anything. The problem lies within behavior," said Chistopherson. "If someone wants to smoke they're going to find a way to smoke."

State Senator James Manning has an alternate idea on how to stop people from smoking in the first place.

"I think the main thing we need to focus on is education, I think that's key to moving forward," said Manning.

He says that they should educate children before they are exposed to social pressures.

"We get into the schools show that tobacco is a disease-ridden product and that this is a disease-ridden product, and some of the causations and long term affects, I think we'll be in a better place," said Manning.

Oregon scored high on smoke-free laws that prevent exposure to second hand smoke, and recent they made a 21 age limit on tobacco products in an effort to cut down on use.

"Eliminate all the products that are out that that are really not doing us any good and causing all kinds of health problems which really causes more problems for the state," said Manning.

The American Cancer Society claims that one pack of cigarettes can cause almost $20 in both private and public health care costs. Manning says that he and other representatives think that Oregon's fight against tobacco is far from over, too.

"The side effects the medical bills that come along with that is always going to be a priority for us," said Manning.

For Christopherson, he says he's seen a decrease in packs bought as the price goes up.

"There's two things that will prevent smoking," said Christopherson. "One is price, and one is education. The more education the better."

Manning plans to propose new health care laws that will include addiction prevention aspects. He has not yet heard of any proposals to increase tobacco taxes, but says we will have to wait and see what is brought to the next session.