Posted inBusiness, News, Politics and Government

Here’s how much money Colorado’s new nicotine, increased cigarette taxes generated in their first 5 months

A new nicotine tax and an increased tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products in Colorado generated more than $34 million in their first five months, according to a data analysis by The Colorado Sun. Proposition EE, which was passed by voters in November, went into effect in January, raising the taxes on a pack […]

Posted inBusiness, Crime and Courts, Election 2020, News, Politics and Government

Emails show negotiations involving Colorado governor, cigarette giant that led to tobacco tax hike

Gov. Jared Polis’ office was asked to meet several conditions insisted upon by Altria in exchange for the cigarette giant agreeing not to fight legislation that put a question on the November ballot asking voters to raise tobacco and nicotine taxes in Colorado, emails obtained by The Colorado Sun show. One of those conditions included […]

Posted inElection 2020, Politics and Government

Colorado election 2020 results: President, Senate, House and ballot questions

Colorado voters set turnout records in the 2020 election, driven by huge interest in the presidential race, a major U.S. Senate contest, a close battle in the 3rd Congressional District and a series of significant ballot measures. The Colorado Sun is tracking the election results in these top races and updating the counts in real […]

Posted inCrime and Courts, Election 2020, News, Politics and Government

Discount cigarette makers file federal lawsuit seeking to invalidate part of Colorado’s Proposition EE

Three discount cigarette manufacturers on Thursday filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent a key element of Proposition EE from taking effect if the measure on the November ballot is approved by voters.  The clause would mandate a pack of cigarettes can be sold for no less than $7 starting next year.  The Liggett Group, […]

Posted inEducation, Election 2020, Health, News, Politics and Government

Proposition EE will raise taxes on tobacco products in Colorado — with one very big exception

When Coloradans fill out their ballots over the next three weeks and vote on Proposition EE, they will decide whether to significantly raise taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco and nicotine products.  That is, with one big exception.  The ballot question, if passed, would actually reduce the taxes — at least for the next six […]

Posted inBusiness, Education, Election 2020, Health, Outdoors, Politics and Government

Colorado 2020 election: A quick guide to the ballot questions on abortion, wolves, taxes, sick leave and more

Colorado voters will decide 11 statewide policy questions on the November ballot — a list of far-reaching measures that will help set the direction for the state’s future. The 2020 ballot asks voters whether Colorado should put limits on abortion and create a state program designed to provide paid time off to workers for medical […]

Posted inBusiness, Crime and Courts, News, Politics and Government

Marlboro’s owners negotiated Colorado’s proposed tobacco tax hike — and it could help them dominate the cigarette market

The maker of Marlboro cigarettes spent more than $16 million to block a tobacco tax increase in Colorado four years ago. Now it could benefit from the passage of a question on the November ballot that would dramatically increase the price of cigarettes — a question the company helped write. The company, Altria, was part […]

Posted inBusiness, Crime and Courts, Health, News

Colorado attorney general sues Juul, claims vape company marketed to kids and downplayed health risks

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said Tuesday he has filed a lawsuit against Juul that alleges the vaping company marketed its products to kids and downplayed their health risks. Weiser is also accusing Juul of falsely suggesting its vaping products are a healthy smoking alternative and can help people quit using cigarettes.  Weiser’s office has […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Politics and Government

In final hours of legislative session, Colorado Democrats bring bill to raise cigarette taxes, create nicotine tax

Democrats in the Colorado legislature on Thursday introduced an 11th-hour bill that seeks to ask voters in November to raise taxes on cigarettes and start taxing other products that contain nicotine. House Bill 1427 would ask voters to gradually — but significantly — raise the taxes over the next seven fiscal years. Whereas taxes on […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Politics and Government

Could a new nicotine tax pay for free preschool in Colorado? Advocates want to ask voters in November.

Colorado voters could decide this November whether to fund free preschool for 4-year-olds statewide by taxing tobacco and vaping products.  On Friday, two citizens took the first step toward putting the question on November’s ballot, filing more than a dozen possible versions with the state’s Office of Legislative Council, which reviews potential initiatives before sending […]