Republicans say smokeless tobacco tax change is justified

Republican legislators are defending a proposed change in the way smokeless tobacco is taxed in Iowa. This morning, Governor Vilsack attacked the G-O-P for — in his words — sneaking the proposal into a non-controversial bill. Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows says Vilsack’s attack is misguided. Iverson says the price of “snuff” now determines how much tax is charged on smokeless tobacco. If the change is made, smokeless tobacco will be taxed according to weight, which is the way cigarettes are taxed. He says the cheaper brands of snuff will actually end up costing more in tax.The House has approved the tax change for smokeless tobacco and Iverson expects the Senate to do the same.