SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- An Illinois Senate committee has voted to raise the state tax on cigarettes by 75 cents, said the Associated Press. That would bring the total tax to $1.73 a pack.
The measure, HB556, which passed 6-3 Wednesday in the Revenue Committee, would generate about $328 million a year for the state. Supporters want to use the money to pay for new roads, schools and other construction projects. The backers also argue it would encourage thousands of people to quit smoking.
But convenience stores oppose the increase. [image-nocss] They argue it would encourage smokers to buy their cigarettes in neighboring states.
The tax increase could come up for a vote by the full Senate later Wednesday.
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