Election 2016: Prop 56
Here's what you need to know to decide how to vote on California's Proposition 56.
ICYMI: the 2016 election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, with early voting kicking off at San Francisco’s City Hall on Tuesday, October 11.
In addition to voting for officials at the local, state, and national level, San Franciscans will face a decision on 17 state ballot initiatives and 25 local propositions.
Not sure how to vote on Proposition 56? We hope the brief voter guide below will help you decide!
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What Is Prop 56?
Prop 56 would increase the state’s current cigarette tax from $0.87 to $2.87 per pack and impose similar tax increases on other tobacco products and e-cigarettes that contain nicotine.
Revenue generated by the increased taxes would fund existing health care programs, as well as tobacco use prevention and control programs, tobacco-related disease research and law enforcement, and dental disease prevention programs.
Who Supports Prop 56?
Key supporters of Prop 56 include: the California Democratic Party, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, and a long list of elected officials and business, educational, and health care organizations.
Supporters argue that the proposition would reduce tobacco-related health care costs and generate funds to pay for those costs, as well as helping to prevent youth smoking.
Who Opposes Prop 56?
Key opponents of Prop 56 include: Philip Morris USA Inc. and the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
Opponents argue that the proposition would fund insurance companies and special interests rather than treatment for tobacco-related illnesses and prevention of youth smoking.
Learn More about Prop 56
To learn more, read the full text of Proposition 56.
