Loose tobacco may get bigger tax in NY

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Gov. Andrew Cuomo would close a loophole that allows loose tobacco to sell for less than cigarettes in an enforcement effort applauded by anti-smoking advocates.

Cuomo's other budget proposal would tax loose tobacco at the same rate as cigarettes, calculated at $4.53 per ounce.

But the American Cancer Society also says the state's anti-smoking programs remain underfunded, especially since New York receives $2 billion in tobacco taxes.

The Cancer Society is upset that Cuomo proposes cutting $5 million from the state's anti-smoking program, which has proven to reduce smoking and health costs.

But the society praises Cuomo for continuing to fund free screenings for breast and colon cancer.