JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Supporters of increasing the Missouri cigarette tax by 23 cents a pack are collecting signatures to get the proposal on the ballot.
Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association Executive Director Ronald Leone said Wednesday an outside firm began gathering signatures this week.
Initiative petitions need a certain number of voter signatures to make it on the 2016 ballot.
The proposal would increase the cigarette tax to 40 cents per pack in phases, beginning in 2017. The measure would increase taxes on other tobacco products to 15 percent from 10 percent.
The association says the tax would bring in about $100 million per year to pay for transportation infrastructure.
A proposal to increase the tax by 60 cents a pack primarily for early childhood education is under review by the secretary of state.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Industrial Park accident claims man's life Monday
Atchison man ID'd as fatal industrial accident victim
Company issues statement following workplace death
Huron man injured in Atchison Co motorcycle crash
Funds being raised to help injured Sabetha Asst. Fire Chief
Body recovered from Missouri River at St. Joseph
Holton's USD 336 loses thousands to fraud
Domestic call leads to Horton drug, endangerment, arrest
One person injured in 3-vehicle Brown Co crash
Motorcyclist killed in St. Joseph, MO crash
State board denies USD 115 land transfer petition
Rural Horton man enters plea in beating case
Jackson Heights principal resigns
White Cloud man injured in NW MO crash
Resolution: Squatting off-limits in Jefferson Co
New Horton Elementary School Principal hired
BAK concludes, bike exchange, set for A-Town Saturday
Former owner of KTNC Radio in Falls City remembered
LATEST STORIES
Richardson Co grand jury verdict in death of inmate
Domestic call leads to Horton drug, endangerment, arrest
Federal, state funds support Valley Falls safety
Toxic algae alert issued for Pawnee County lake
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Pony Express Re-ride June 17-27
New Horton Elementary School Principal hired