SACREMENTO - California residents will probably have another opportunity to vote on a tobacco tax hike next year as supporters of an increase are already hard at work, KXTV reports. Currently, 32 states have a higher tobacco tax than California.

"I think the right measure, going to the right revenue source is going to be the magic combination," said Jason Kinney, a strategist for the Democratic Party. "And that's why I think so many people are looking at it."

Kinney, along with Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and others, are proposing a $1 per pack hike with the additional funds going to financial aid and scholarships for college. The California Student Aid Commission would receive the money, estimated at around $750 million the first year.

"There's no reason why the dream of college education should be out of reach for any hard working student in California," said Kinney.

Supporters point out that each year, they??ve come closer to winning a tobacco tax increase. Last year, Proposition 29, which would have funneled the increase to cancer research, missed passage by under 24,000 votes in a low voter turnout election. The 2014 election cycle is one that will elect all state offices, so a bigger turnout is expected.