NEUTRAL on Prop 56: Cigarette Tax.

For background information on this measure, refer to the Legislative Analyst’s Office analysis included in the Official Voter Information Guide.

League Analysis:

The LWVC board carefully considered Proposition 56 and, recognizing both good and bad aspects of the measure, decided to remain neutral. Prop 56 establishes an increased tax on cigarettes, including e-cigarettes, with the money collected from this tax earmarked for health care and tobacco use prevention. The League does not generally support earmarks but is neutral on this measure because of the benefits from reducing smoking and the increased funding for health care.

This position of neutrality precludes activity in the name of the League, either in support of or against this proposition.