AUGUSTA, ME ?" Maine lawmakers are considering several anti-smoking bills that they say will seek to aggressively reduce the state's smoking rate while decreasing taxpayers' costs of treating tobacco-related illnesses, the Associated Press reports.

Among the proposals is one that would deny benefits for MaineCare recipients who smoke, and another that would restrict smoking in private clubs.

The assault on tobacco use is resuming on several fronts in Maine??s State House, including denying benefits for MaineCare recipients who smoke and restricting smoking in private clubs.

Senator Thomas Saviello said he plans to introduce the MaineCare bill. While he said that he does not know the amount of money the state would save by not having to treat smoking-related illnesses, he suspects "it could be pretty significant," adding, "I'm making a conversation I think needs to take place."

Representative Les Fossel said he wants to raise the minimum age to possess tobacco from 18 to 21, a plan highlighted last week by the American Lung Association of Maine (ALAM).

"If you don't get addicted before you're 21, you're apt not to get addicted," said Fossel.

Finally, Representative Anna Blodgett is sponsoring a bill that would ban smoking in private clubs except for in enclosed areas. Current law allows smoking in private clubs.

Additionally, the ALAM is lobbying to raise Maine's cigarette excise tax another $1.50 per pack to $3.50, citing it as an effective way to discourage young people from smoking.

Governor Paul LePage is on record as opposing tax increases. While campaigning for governor, he said he would endorse a reduction in the cigarette tax if the state could compensate elsewhere for the loss revenue.