Cigarette tax may increase

Tuesday, the state legislature will convene in Raleigh for a short session. Most of the focus will be on Governor Easley's proposed $22 billion budget proposal.

Easley hopes to raise revenue by implementing a 20 cent tax increase on cigarettes, bringing the total tax on cigarettes up to 55 cents a pack.

Easley projects that will bring in an extra $100 million to go towards raising teacher salaries.

While it would be great news for teachers, small businesses that sell cigarettes could suffer.