Last week, Washinton Gov. Jay Inslee proposed a budget that includes both an excessive tax of 95% of retail price on all vapor products and a ban on online sales to consumers in Washington. AVA was quick to respond, sending out a statement to Washington media criticizing the tax. That night, AVA was able to connect two TV news stations with a passionate and informed vape shop owner for their local newscasts.
Since then, the AVA has learned that a the Legislature may also be considering a bill to ban virtually all e-cigarette flavors.
The Washington Legislature will debate the tax proposal in the forthcoming 2015 Legislature.
Selected Media:
Inslee proposes new taxes to meet state needs. Crosscut (John Stang). December 18, 2014.
E-cigarette shops unhappy with 95% vapor tax proposal. King 5 News (Heather Graf). December 19, 2014.
Washington governor proposes 95 percent tax on vapor products, e-cigarettes. KFOR-TV. December 19, 2014.
News Summary. Seattle Weekly (Lauren Mang). December 19, 2014.
Gov. Inslee’s Proposed Budget Includes 95% Tax on e-Cigs, Related Products. News Talk 870 KFLD Radio (John McKay). December 22, 2014.