In January, two Alabama legislators proposed bills that would increase the tax on cigarettes. At the time, there was believed to be little support for a new tax.

Now, the American Cancer Society believes the recent budget woes in Alabama, might give lawmakers good reason to look at the idea once again.

The group has formed an online petition, urging the Alabama Legislature and Gov. Robert Bentley to increase the state’s tax on tobacco by $1; a move that could generate more than $200 million for the state’s General Fund.

With the average price for a pack of cigarettes nationwide running roughly $5.95 according to reports, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that smoking-caused health costs total about $10.47 per pack sold and consumed in the U.S. Alabama currently ranks 47th in the nation in cigarette tax rates, with a $0.425 tax on cigarettes.

Niko Phillips, Tobacco Prevention and Control coordinator for Dallas County Health Department, said an increase in cigarette tax would be a deterrent for smokers.

“Increasing the price of cigarettes can reduce smoking substantially, by discouraging initiation among youths and young adults, prompting quit attempts and reducing average cigarette consumption among those who continue to smoke.”

Phillips also sees the tax as beneficial, overall.

“Other states have seen that increasing the price of tobacco products have been beneficial because it directly increases cigarette prices, thereby reducing cigarette use and smoking-related death and disease,” Phillips said.

Local stores on the other hand, feel as though a tax increase would not deter smokers.

“I think it doesn’t matter because if people are going to smoke, they’ll do it. Of course they’re going to shop around to find the cheapest price (but) regardless, they’re still going to smoke,” said Murphy USA assistant manager Lila Edwards.

Alishia Davis, of Mr Roy’s in Selma, said cigarette prices have gone up to $5.72 in February and customers have not slowed their cigarette purchases.

“That’s not going to stop customers from buying cigarettes,” Davis said. “People want that nicotine.”

Raceway’s Gene Hisel said he sells 400 to 450 cigarette cartons a week.

“I don’t see it as a deterrent at all,” Hisel said, who smoked for 26 years. “Prices go up and up every year. Now, the average cigarette is $5 to $5.50. The price increase on cigarettes has not brought down sales at all; people are finding a way to buy their cigarettes.”

Local cigarette users said they aren’t pleased with the idea of cigarette tax increases.

“They (prices) need to go down, that’s too much,” said Dondrell Richardson, who has smoked for 22 years. “I will still buy cigarettes but I’ll have to change my brand up to something that’s cheaper — $3 or something.”

Jovonnie Kimbrough, who’s smoked for more than 20 years, wishes the prices of cigarettes would drop.

“My cigarettes went up 22 cents and I’m trying hard to quit and now I’ll try harder,” Kimbrough said. “I know cigarettes makes you lose your taste buds, messes with your nerves, puts wrinkles on your face and a dent in your pocket. We’re already in a recession; I’d rather buy food and pay my bills.”

Frederick Pierce said he is trying hard to quit smoking.

“I’m already cutting back largely,” Pierce said. “I know it’s not good as far as my health is concerned (and) it’s costly.”