Association Launches Media Campaign Calling on Congress to Oppose Tobacco Tax Increase
APMA, an organization representing convenience stores and small retailers across Arizona, launched a digital and television advertisement campaign urging Arizona’s congressional delegation to oppose any federal excise tax increase on tobacco products from being included in the upcoming budget reconciliation package:
During his campaign, President Biden repeatedly promised not to raise taxes on Americans making under $400,000, and he vowed to support small business struggling to recover from the pandemic. If Congress raises the federal excise tax on tobacco products as a pay-for in the upcoming budget reconciliation package, then these promises will be broken.
By raising the federal excise tax on tobacco, Congress would be imposing a higher regressive tax on lower-income Americans, driving down critical revenues from small businesses already struggling to recover, and encouraging criminal enterprises and gangs to sell cheaper tobacco on the illicit market.
Making matters worse, some in Congress want to raise the taxes on non-combustible cigarette alternatives that many smokers use as a glidepath to quitting entirely – like vaping devices. By making cigarette alternatives as expensive as cigarettes, this proposal would disincentivize smokers from switching and counteract the goal of smoking cessation.
If Congress truly cares about helping people quit smoking, supporting small businesses and working Americans, and keeping our streets safe, then they must oppose the excessive proposed increase in the federal excise tax on tobacco products in the upcoming reconciliation bill.
APMA represents over 100 member companies, including suppliers, owners and operators of over 1,000 fueling facilities in the state. APMA dates back to 1967; it was founded to serve the common regulatory, legislative and educational needs of businesses engaged in the distribution of wholesale fuel, retail fuel and lube oils. APMA proudly serves members who are family-owned and Arizona-grown businesses in their second and third generations.
To view the television ad, click here.