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

KT&G Q3 Net Profit Up 73%; Overseas NGP Revenue Nearly Doubles, Nicotine Pouch Expansion Set to Launch Globally

KT&G reported its Q3 2025 financial results, posting revenue of KRW 1.83 trillion (≈USD 1.31 billion) and a 73.4% year-over-year surge in net profit—marking the company’s highest operating profit in five years. The Next Generation Product (NGP) segment performed strongly, generating KRW 279.1 billion (≈USD 199 million) in revenue, with overseas NGP sales more than doubling year-over-year.

Nov.06

Belgium Plans to Ban All Vape Flavours Except Tobacco, Backed by Health Council

Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has announced plans to ban all e-cigarette flavours except tobacco, following new advice from the Superior Health Council (CSS). The move marks a major policy shift, as the Council now fully supports flavour restrictions to curb youth vaping.

Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Harm Reduction Experts Warn: FCTC COP11 Policies Risk Marginalizing the Global South

Two global tobacco harm reduction experts, in their submission to 2Firsts, argue that several COP11 policy proposals driven by high-income countries do not align with the capacities and conditions of low- and middle-income countries. They highlight research and funding gaps and call for a more equitable global support mechanism.

Nov.19

Poland Plans Total Prohibition of Single-Use Vapes to Protect Youth

Poland’s Ministry of Health has proposed legislation to ban all disposable e-cigarettes — both with and without nicotine — under a new amendment to tobacco product laws. The government aims to protect youth from nicotine addiction while reducing public health and environmental harm. Medical professionals largely support the move but call for balanced harm-reduction strategies.