I-185 would raise tobacco tax to expand Medicaid coverage

Editor's Note: Students at the University of Montana’s School of Journalism are once again providing coverage of Montana election contests for the state’s news organizations.

Montana smokers could be on the hook for an additional $2 per pack if ballot initiative Initiative 185 passes. The tobacco industry is shelling out big bucks in hopes it won’t happen.

It’s a big reason your mailbox is stuffed this election season with flyers arguing its pros and cons.

The initiative’s backers see its passage as a “win-win.” Higher taxes for tobacco products could discourage their use and...