Harry Guo among 15 other students worked extensively on a project that took them nearly two weeks to complete. Over this span, they learned about the negative effects of tobacco and what they could do to combat this.

“It has come to our attention that cigarette smoking in Missouri is a huge crisis that needs to be dealt with A.S.A.P.!” commented Max Keeley enthusiastically.

After reviewing possible options, it became apparent that raising the tax in Missouri would be a positive change for Missouri’s future and improve Missouri’s grade.

According to the group, raising the tax on cigarettes would discourage smoking in Missouri and reduce the number of adult smokers in Missouri. In addition, poverty levels, heath problems and costs in Missouri would be reduced, and the revenue from the increased tax could be used to work towards Missouri’s needs. These needs include better tobacco education programs and smoking cessation programs that would benefit the entire community.

When asked why they felt that the tax needed to be raised, the students at LaSalle Springs answered that in comparison to the states surrounding Missouri, Missouri’s tax rate was very low. In fact, at 17 cents a pack, Missouri has the second lowest tax on tobacco in the country, just behind North Carolina.

Considering the tax per pack on cigarettes held by surrounding states (below), this is outrageous, commented one of the students.

Arkansas $1.15

Iowa $1.36

Illinois, 98 cents
Kentucky, 60 cents

Nebraska, 64 cents
Kansas, 79 cents
Tennessee, 62 cents

Illinois, 98 cents

“This isn’t just about changing Missouri’s grade. This is about fairness in the tax rates! But more importantly, this is about saving lives!” said Alicia Kilpatrick.

LaSalle Spring Middle School students feel that their efforts will make a difference.

“I’m pretty confident that together, we can make a positive change for the health of Missouri citizens!” said Caitlin Selle.

The middle school students said they hoped Missouri citizens work together to make a difference and end the pervasiveness of tobacco use in Missouri!