SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois Senate has voted to raise the state's cigarette tax by 90 cents a pack, said the Associated Press.
That means smokers would pay $1.88 a pack instead of just 98 cents.
The legislation (HB556) also would let the collar counties around Chicago increase their local cigarette taxes by $1 a pack.
The measure passed 34-24. It now goes to the state House. If it passes, it would not take effect until next summer.
Supporters say it would generate about $350 [image-nocss] million for the state and discourage smoking, particularly among young people. But opponents argue it would be a blow to grocery stores and gas stations. They say smokers would just buy their cigarettes in neighboring states.
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