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Bay State Lawmakers Approve Cigarette Tax Hike

BOSTON (WBZ) ? Smokers in Massachusetts may have to pony up More for a pack. The Senate joined the House in approving a $1 dollar per pack increase in the cigarette tax. The change could take effect as early as Tuesday, when the state's new fiscal year begins. The House voted 93-52 in favor of the bill Monday and sent it to the Senate, where it was approved by a 26-9 vote. "I'm inclined to support it, but I want to read it first," Gov. Deval Patrick said on his way into a meeting with legislative leaders. The final version does not include an earlier proposal to repeal a 1945 law setting minimum prices for Cigarettes. The final version does not include an earlier proposal to repeal a 1945 law setting minimum prices for Cigarettes. Supporters say the tax increase would help raise $174 million, with the extra money helping to cover the cost of the state's landmark health care law. The cigarette tax was once 76 cents per pack. It was raised to $1.51 in 2002. If this latest proposal passes, the tax will be $2.51. Lawmakers like the cigarette tax because it raises money and keeps kids from buying Cigarettes as they get too expensive. Opponents are afraid that the revenue source will dry up if taxes get too high because people will stop buying Cigarettes. According to health advocates, revenue from the cigarette tax will be consistent even if some people stop smoking in response to increased prices. The percentage drop has been the same on most cases from state-to-state over the years. Supporters of the proposed tax say that if everyone stops smoking and the source of revenue disappears, that's a problem they look forward to tackling. The cigarette tax was once 76 cents per pack. It was raised to $1.51 in 2002. If this latest proposal passes, the tax will be $2.51. Lawmakers like the cigarette tax because it raises money and keeps kids from buying Cigarettes as they get too expensive. Opponents are afraid that the revenue source will dry up if taxes get too high because people will stop buying Cigarettes. According to health advocates, revenue from the cigarette tax will be consistent even if some people stop smoking in response to increased prices. The percentage drop has been the same on most cases from state-to-state over the years. Supporters of the proposed tax say that if everyone stops smoking and the source of revenue disappears, that's a problem they look forward to tackling.