Cigarette tax under scrutiny

COLUMBIA - A Senate finance subcommittee met briefly Thursday to talk about a plan that would raise the state's cigarette tax.

Senators discussed proposals to raise the nation's lowest tax of 7 cents a pack to as much as 57 cents. That would raise about $160 million.

But Sen. Thomas Alexander, D-Florence, said the committee hasn't settled on the amount of the increase or how specifically to spend the money. Later Thursday, the Senate gave the panel two more weeks to come up with a final proposal.

The panel did not discuss Gov. Mark Sanford plan to raise the tax by 30 cents and give residents an income tax break. He wants to use the extra revenue to give people a choice between a flat tax with a lower rate and no deductions or the current income tax rate with deductions.

Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said discussions about the governor's plan have mostly been with House members.

Some supporters of the increase want the money used for health care programs.

(Associated Press)