Governor's Proposed Tennessee Cigarette Tax Hike

Before smokers light up they might have to pay up. Governor Phil Bredesen is proposing tripling the cigarette tax in Tennessee to 60 cents per pack.

Some people want the Governor to butt out.

Josh Sewell said, "That's a big tax, that 60 cents. If you're addicted to it, that's going to be hard for somebody." If people do continue to smoke at the same rate it will generate 120 MILLION dollars.

Bredesen plans to use the money for school funding and education. But some lawmakers say Tennesseeans have gotten off cheap. The state ranks fourth lowest in the country on cigarette taxes.

At least one former smoker says he hopes the tax means lights out. Daniel Hurst, a former smoker, said, "I don't agree with smoking. I did used to, but I think this tax thing will help out."