SMOKERS ARE SOON GOING TO HAVE TO PAY MORE TO GET THEIR FIX.

LAWMAKERS HAVE APPROVED A ONE DOLLAR A PACK INCREASE IN THE STATE TAX ON CIGARETTES…RAISING IT TO ONE DOLLAR 98 CENTS. SENATE PRESIDENT JOHN CULLERTON IS A STRONG SUPPORTER OF THE PLAN…SAYING IT WILL IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF ILLINOISANS.

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THAT, COMBINED WITH A NEW TAX ON HOSPITALS AND FEDERAL MATCHING MONEY IS EXPECTED TO BRING IN ABOUT 800 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE STATE’S MEDDICAID PROGRAM. BUT SENATOR DAN KOTOWSKI OF PARK RIDGE IS TOUTING THE HEALTH BENEFITS AS WELL.

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GOVERNOR PAT QUINN IS THANKING LEGISLATORS FOR PASSING THE BILL AND SAYS HE LOOKS FORWARD TO QUICKLY SIGNING IT INTO LAW.