Democratic lawmakers in Iowa are proposing a plan to fund universal access to health care in the state with a $1-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax, the Des Moines Register reports. The plan would create a bipartisan commission to develop way

Democratic lawmakers in Iowa are proposing a plan to fund universal access to health care in the state with a $1-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax, the Des Moines Register reports. The plan would create a bipartisan commission to develop ways to make health insurance more affordable for small businesses and working families. The plan also would increase access to safety-net programs, such as community clinics that serve low-income, disabled and elderly residents. State Sen. Jack Hatch (D) and state Rep. Ro Foege (D) said that the cigarette tax increase would generate an estimated $134 million in annual revenue to fund health programs. Incoming Gov. Chet Culver (D) has proposed increasing the current 36-cents-per-pack cigarette tax. Legislative hearings on the plan are scheduled for next week (Roos, Des Moines Register, 1/11). Democratic lawmakers in Iowa are proposing a plan to fund universal access to health care in the state with a $1-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax, the

<< Prev	CIGoutlet.NET News Home	Next >>