Georgia Cigarette Tax

Anti-smoking advocates in Georgia want to make smokers pay more to puff. They gathered in Atlanta Tuesday to rally behind a proposed state tax increase on cigarettes.  The hike is $1 per pack.  

Supporters of the tax say it will help the state's growing budget shortfall, and at the same time, help reduce rates of smoking in the Georgia.

But Republican leaders have been skeptical of the proposal, saying the state needs to balance its books without raising taxes on residents.