Tobacco Tax Would Fund SCHIP Boost

by Debbie Elliott, NPR

Congress plans to use a hike in the federal tobacco tax to pay for an expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP. Public health advocates say the move to a $1-per-pack excise tax on cigarettes will bring down smoking rates. But President Bush says the plan raises taxes for working people, and promises a veto.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, September 27, 2007