On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Missouri voters will decide on Proposition B, a sales tax increase on tobacco products.  Initiated by a petition circulated by the American Cancer Society, Proposition B will increase the cigarette tax by 73 cents a pack, if it passes.

FACT:  Missouri has the lowest cigarette tax in the country.  If Proposition B passes, the total cigarette tax will be 90 cents per pack. The national average is $1.46, and Missouri is 11th highest in smoking prevalence in the country. 

Fact:  Proposition B will generate about $283 million each year. Twenty percent of this amount will be used on smoking cessation programs.  Thirty percent will go to higher education and fifty percent will go to Missouri elementary and secondary schools. The proposal includes safeguards, including regular public audits, that will ensure the new revenue is spent as voters intend.

Fact:  Rockwood could expect to receive $3 million annually as a result of Proposition B.  These funds may be used to pay for district operating costs including salaries, benefits, supplies, building maintenance and technology.   The first full year of funding would occur in the 2013-14 school year.