Smokers could soon be forced to pay an additional state tax for rolling their own cigarettes, but Mary Nelson with Main Street Tobacco Shop in Peoria says that would be the end of her small business.
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A proposal is on the table in Springfield that supporters say would bring in an additional eight million dollars in tax revenue but several state senators question the validity of that number. They say implementing the tax could have a reverse effect because it may put some employers out of business. Nelson echoes the sentiments of caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelm, who says Illinois is unfriendly for big business. She says this bill would prove the state is also unfriendly to its small businesses. The proposal has been put on hold while the sponsor works out a few kinks.