Doctors at Georgia Capitol make case for cigarette tax

photo Pictured is the Georgia state Capitol. Staff file photo.

ATLANTA - Georgia physicians say citizens also support a bump in the state's cigarette tax.

The doctors came to the state Capitol on Wednesday hoping to raise awareness among voters and lawmakers as part of the "Bump It Up A Buck" campaign. Supporters are calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation that would raise the per-pack tax on cigarettes by a dollar and say such a move could generate $350 million to the state's cash-strapped coffers.

This year, lawmakers are considering hiking the tax from 37 cents to 68 cents per pack. The proposal has stalled in the past as unpopular.

Supporters say cheap cigarettes should not continue to be a priority in Georgia, and that they will keep pushing for legislation even if they are unsuccessful this session.

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