Maine Governor Janet Mills Proposes Tobacco Tax Increase for Budget Balance

Jan.13

Maine Governor Janet Mills proposes raising tobacco taxes to balance budget, citing low cigarette tax and high smoking rates.

According to a report by Halfwheel on January 12, Governor Janet Mills of Maine has released her two-year budget proposal, suggesting increases to tobacco taxes to achieve a balanced budget.

Mills pointed out that Maine's cigarette tax has not been adjusted since 2005 and currently stands at just $2 per pack. She proposed raising it to $3 per pack. The governor stated that currently, Maine has the lowest cigarette tax in the New England region, while the smoking rates among adults and teenagers are the first and second highest, respectively. These are the reasons she is pushing for a tax increase.

According to state law, if the cigarette tax is adjusted, the tax rate for other tobacco products must also be increased accordingly. The tax rate for cigars will be raised from 43% of the wholesale selling price to 65%. This new tax rate will also apply to chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other products made from or containing natural or artificial nicotine.

According to supporting documents for the Miller proposal, it is estimated that raising tobacco taxes will generate an additional revenue of approximately $80 million for the state general fund over the next two years.

If the proposal is passed according to the current plan, the tax rate adjustment will take effect on January 5, 2026.

References:

[1] Maine's Governor Calls for 50 Percent Increase in Cigar & Tobacco Taxes

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

The Pinnacle of Craftsmanship: Great Wall Cigars' Exclusive 2025 Releases

Great Wall Cigars presents its latest premium collection, blending Chinese heritage with global craftsmanship. From the Cameroon-tobacco GX Lion’s Glory Toro to the zodiac-themed Year of the Horse and Year of the Snake editions, each cigar embodies artistry and rarity. Alongside the refined Spectacular No.2 and No.3 Extra Finos, the lineup marks Great Wall’s rise as a symbol of Chinese cigar excellence on the world stage.

Oct.11

U.S. FDA Includes Cytisinicline for Vaping Addiction in National Priority Voucher Program, Shortens Review to 1–2 Months

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added Cytisinicline, a plant-based therapy developed by Achieve Life Sciences for nicotine vaping addiction, to its new National Priority Voucher (CNPV) program. The initiative shortens drug review timelines from 10–12 months to just 1–2 months, expediting approval for treatments that address major public health needs.

Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply

In September 2025, China’s total e-cigarette exports reached USD 879 million, representing a 6.08% decline month-on-month but a 3.41% increase year-on-year.

Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jinjia Venture Faces New Judicial Auction, Control Unchanged

Jinjia Group said its controlling shareholder, Jinjia Venture, will have part of its holdings auctioned by the Shenzhen Nanshan Court, involving 43.4 million shares. Earlier, the Shenzhen Intermediate Court announced another auction of 37.27 million shares. Together they represent 5.56% of total equity. Jinjia said the auctions will not affect company control.