ALBANY — A new study shows low-income smokers in New York spend 25 percent of their income on cigarettes.
The study by RTI’s Public Health Policy Research Program, using state data, finds wealthy smokers spend just 2 percent of their income on cigarettes.
The American Cancer Society says the state’s taxes which are the highest in the nation are a cause. The society says the study shows New York needs to spend more on smoking cessation programs aimed at the poor.
The New York state Health Department says high cigarette taxes are proven to reduce smoking. In addition, the state is promoting several anti-smoking programs including those aimed at lower-income people and young people to persuade them not to smoke.