TOPEKA, Kan. -- Late last week, state legislators began debating whether to increase the cigarette excise tax by 50 cents per pack, the Lawrence Journal-World reports.

A hearing in the House Tax Committee revealed that the bill has strong opposition. “We’re spending a lot of money for health care, and we’re being asked to look at another revenue source. At what point can we say, ‘More money is not the solution?’ ” said Chairman Kenny Wilk.

The measure raises the state cigarette tax from 79 cents per pack to $1.29 per pack on July 1. The tax also would be tied annually to the rate of inflation, projected to increase approximately 4 cents per year.

The tax hike could raise about $67 million each year for the first half dozen years. The additional revenue is earmarked for a five-year, $227 million health-care initiative.