Beebe says he will call for cigarette-tax increase

By The Associated Press

Gov. Mike Beebe says he will call next week for an increase in the cigarette tax to help pay for establishing a trauma system in the state and other health programs.

Beebe told members of the Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Association and the Society of Professional Journalists on Tuesday that he plans on unveiling the hike during his state of the state address next week.

Beebe indicated he would call for at least a 50-cents a pack hike, but would not offer a specific figure.

"We're finalizing some numbers on that, but you're in the ballpark," Beebe said.

Beebe says the revenue from the hike could go toward establishing the trauma system, but could also go toward other health needs such as community health centers.

For more information see Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.