Smoking opponents to push higher state tax

SPRINGFIELD - The cost to light up may go up exponentially this year.

State Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, an Evanston Democrat, said Tuesday he'll push to add $1 in taxes to a pack of cigarettes in the new legislative session that begins today.

The state tax is currently 98 cents per pack. Counties and some cities can and do tack on their own substantial taxes.

Smoking opponents said the increase is a public health issue.

"Only large increases are effective in helping people quit," said Kathy Drea, director of public policy for the American Lung Association of Illinois.

Also on Tuesday, lawmakers gave final approval to new enforcement details regarding the statewide smoking ban. In many parts of the state, local officials had not enforced it because of procedural problems in the law.

The new details say the state and local health departments along with local police will enforce the ban by issuing tickets. For smokers, a first offense is $100, a second is $250. For restaurant or bar owners who let patrons smoke, the fines start at $250, increase to $500 for a second offense and then $2.500 for repeat violations.

Those who want to challenge the fines can request hearings through the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Supporters said the new details, if enacted by the governor, clear up any enforcement issues.

As for the possible cigarette tax increase, the Lung Association estimates that 63,300 adult smokers will quit because of the increased cost. The organization also expects a 14 percent decrease among youth smokers.

In addition, a $1 increase could raise $311.8 million in state tax money at a time when the state's budget is sinking in red ink. Supporters said any new money should be earmarked for health care.

But the tax hike is likely to face opposition.

The state cigarette tax was last raised in 2002, by 40 cents. There have been numerous attempts since to hike it even more. The Illinois House rejected an organized push for higher cigarette taxes in 2007.

And in recent months, numerous business groups - most notably casino gambling interests - have blamed their economic downturn on the statewide smoking ban.

Schoenberg said he is confident the proposal will be taken seriously.

In addition to the tax increase, the proposal would expand the definition of cigarettes to include little cigars, which are now classified differently and taxed at 20 cents a pack.