ST PAUL, MN – On May 16, Minnesota Supreme Court justices overturned a lower court decision that struck down the state’s so-called “health impact fee," reports the Associated Press.

The fee increased the state’s cigarette excise tax by 75 cents per pack in August. However, a Ramsey County judge invalidated the tax in December 2005.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (D) promoted the tax increase as a means to reduce teen smoking and offset public health costs relating to tobacco use.