Tobacco tax collections at low level

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State officials say collections from the tax on tobacco in October is the lowest so far this fiscal year that began July 1st.<br/><br/>The state collected $16-million last month,

Tuesday, November 8th 2005, 10:20 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State officials say collections from the tax on tobacco in October is the lowest so far this fiscal year that began July 1st.

The state collected $16-million last month, $2-million less than was collected in September.

State Treasurer Scott Meacham says one reason is people have quit or cut back on smoking since the tobacco tax increased in January. He says another reason is a continuing problem of making sure the correct tax stamps are used in tribal smoke shops.

Meacham says collections are about 20 percent lower than expected for the fiscal year, but shouldn't jeopardize health programs receiving money from the tax.