Region 7: Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri

Iowa vaulted into the cigarette tax lead in the region with an increase in its tax to $1.36 per pack. Iowa funds its tobacco control program at almost 70 percent of its CDC minimum level and leads the region. Although none of the states in this region have a strong statewide smokefree law in 2007, progress is being made in three out of the four states on smokefree ordinances at the local level.

Region 7 average cigarette tax: $0.74

• Iowa increased its cigarette tax by $1.00 to $1.36 per pack.
• Iowa increased funding for its tobacco control program from about $7.5 million in FY2007 to about $13.4 million in FY2008.

Region 8: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado

Colorado continues to have the strongest smokefree law in the region; Montana and Utah have already passed smokefree laws that will take effect for bars in 2009. Montana continues to have the highest cigarette tax in the region at $1.70 per pack. Colorado and Montana fund their tobacco control programs above the minimum level recommended by CDC, and lead the region.

Region 8 average cigarette tax: $0.97

• South Dakota increased funding for its tobacco control program from about $1.8 million in FY2007 to about $6.1 million in FY2008 due to a ballot initiative increasing tobacco taxes that was approved by voters in November 2006.
• Colorado and Montana funded their tobacco control programs above, and Wyoming funded its program close to, the minimum level recommended by the CDC in FY2008.
• Montana and Utah passed legislation requiring cigarettes to self-extinguish when not being smoked, to help prevent cigarette-caused fires.

Region 9: California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii

Arizona joins California and Hawaii as states with a comprehensive smokefree air law in 2007. Arizona continues to have the highest cigarette tax in the region at $2.00 per pack. Hawaii funds its tobacco control program above the CDC minimum level and leads the region.

Region 9 average cigarette tax: $1.37

• Hawaii’s cigarette tax increased from $1.60 to $1.80 per pack. The tax will continue to increase in $0.20 increments over the next four years.
• Hawaii increased its funding for tobacco control programs from $10.4 million in FY2007 to $11.4 million in FY2008, bringing funding above the CDC minimum level for the first time.
• Arizona’s law prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars took effect in May 2007. It was approved by voters in 2006.

Region 10: Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska

Washington still has the strongest smokefree air law in the region, but Oregon will join them in having strong protection for workers as of January 1, 2009 due to legislation passed in 2007. Washington continues to have the highest cigarette tax in the region at $2.025 per pack, but Alaska is now not far behind at $2.00 per pack. Alaska now funds its tobacco control program above the CDC minimum level, the highest in the region.

Region 10 average cigarette tax: $1.44

• Alaska’s cigarette tax increased from $1.80 to $2.00 per pack.
• Oregon approved legislation eliminating many of the loopholes in its statewide smokefree law; however, the changes do not take effect until January 1, 2009.
• Alaska increased funding for its tobacco control program from $7.5 million in FY2007 to $8.75 million in FY2008, bringing funding above the CDC minimum level for the first time.
• Alaska and Oregon passed legislation requiring cigarettes to self-extinguish when not being smoked, to help prevent cigarette-caused fires.