Vermont budget updates: Gov. Phil Scott calls for new tax on vape products

MONTPELIER - After two years of resisting any new revenue sources, Gov. Phil Scott called Thursday for an additional $10 million in taxes and more than $8 million in increased fees to fund state government.

The governor called for applying the 92 percent tobacco tax to e-cigarettes and vaping products, which would raise about $1 million. The audience erupted into applause when he announced the proposal, which has passed the House and Senate in past years but never became law.

Scott said the tax would mitigate health risks associated with nicotine addiction.

"Our kids must know the dangers of these behaviors, and we should stop it in its tracks," Scott said.

Read more: https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/government/2019/01/24/vermont-governor-phil-scott-budget-2020-taxes-fees/2643385002/