Cigarette tax takes early lead

Partial returns show a large early lead for California’s Proposition 56, which would increase taxes on cigarettes and start taxing electronic cigarettes.

The measure was ahead Tuesday with 62 percent of more than 3.3 million votes cast in favor.

Proposition 56 calls for adding $2 to the current 87-cents-a-pack state tax on cigarettes. It would also start taxing e-cigarettes, including vapor products.

Tobacco companies spent more than $71 million on efforts to defeat the measure.

Opponents say the money it raises would benefit insurance companies and hospital corporations.

Proposition 56 calls for much of the money to go to California’s Medi-Cal. The state-run program pays insurance providers and hospitals for costs of treating low-income residents.

California has not raised its tobacco taxes since 1998.