INDIANAPOLIS – While leaving the exact amount up to the legislature, Gov. Mitch Daniels proposed last week a cigarette excise increase of at least 25 cents per pack to the state's current 55.5 cent-per-pack tax, reports the Indianapolis Star.

Gov. Mitch Daniels said he wants to raise cigarette taxes so Indiana can "regain" its standing as a leader in combating teen tobacco use, the writes the newspaper.

A Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids survey released last week showed Indiana as 27th among states in spending on smoking cessation and prevention programs. Three years ago, Indiana ranked sixth.