Menthol Cigarette Ban Falters in New York But Tax Hike Survives

New York State Senate and Assembly Democrats rejected Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to ban flavored tobacco and menthol cigarettes, but agreed to increase cigarette taxes.

Democrats, who hold a supermajority in both the Senate and Assembly, each released their own budget proposals late Tuesday afternoon. The documents are largely ceremonial but provide insight into points of contention as budget negotiations begin.

The deadline for lawmakers and Hochul to agree on and pass the proposed $227 billion state budget is March 31.

Both houses agreed with Hochul on plan to increase the excise tax rate on cigarettes by $1 to ...