Illinois lawmakers have approved raising cigarette taxes by one dollar a pack.
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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- Smokers in Illinois may soon pay more for their habit.
Illinois lawmakers have approved raising cigarette taxes by one dollar a pack.
The bill now goes to Governor Pat Quinn for his signature.
Supporters say the tax hike will help close a $2.7 billion hole in the state Medicaid budget and help prevent smoking.
The tax is expected to generate about $350 million a year. That would then be matched by the federal government to yield about $700 million.
Other tobacco products would see state taxes rise too. Click here to read more about the bill.
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