Gov. Andrew Cuomo would close a loophole that allows loose tobacco to sell for less than cigarettes in an enforcement effort applauded by anti-smoking advocates.
Cuomo's other budget proposal would tax loose tobacco at the same rate as cigarettes, calculated at $4.53 per ounce.
But the American Cancer Society also says the state's anti-smoking programs remain underfunded, especially since New York receives $2 billion in tobacco taxes.
The Cancer Society is upset that Cuomo proposes cutting $5 million from the state's anti-smoking program, which has proven to reduce smoking and health costs.
But the society praises Cuomo for continuing to fund free screenings for breast and colon cancer.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
