Texas House approves chewing tobacco tax cut

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas House members have approved a bill to lower a tax on loose-leaf chewing tobacco like Red Man and others brands despite the health risks.

The bill passed 83 to 53 Wednesday.

Republican Rep. Allan Ritter of Nederland says his bill is a "good thing" for "all of us that chew tobacco."

Ritter says the measure corrects a weight-based tax the Legislature levied in 2009 that penalized heavier loose-leaf tobacco.

Republican Rep. Jason Isaac of Dripping Springs says the tax cut is wrong because it will encourage people to "use cancer-causing products" and lead to more long-term health costs.

The Austin American Statesman reports the bill would drop the tax rate by 33 cents per ounce on some chewing tobacco.

The Senate still has to take up the measure.

source: The Associated Press