Faith-Based Groups Lobby for Cigarette Tax

A bill that would tack on a one dollar sales tax to every pack of cigarettes sold in Georgia is stuck in committee. But the bill's sponsor says the shrinking state budget might help turn the tide.

For Nurse Jean Holley, the message to lawmakers is simple:

"So do what we elected you to do.... pass the buck."

Holley is with the Georgia Network of Faith Community Nurses. She and other faith-based organizations lobbied at the Capitol for House Bill 39. Supporters say it could bring in more than $350 million a year to the state. And that money, Holley says, could make the future of Georgia a lot healthier.

"Financially, it's a no-brainer," says Holley. "You know we both stop some of the spending that we're doing, we hold on to more cash, and then we get some cash to develop programs that can really make a difference in the long-term health of our country and of our state."

The bill's sponsor, Republican Ron Stephens, says the legislation is stuck in an a House subcommittee. But he remains optimistic. That's because, he says, new cuts to next year's budget could spark lawmakers to look for money wherever they can get it.

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