Oregon Bill Would Raise Cigarette Tax by $1 a Pack - NBC Right Now/KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |

SALEM, Ore. - Public health advocates are asking the Oregon Legislature to increase cigarette taxes by $1 a pack.

On Tuesday, the House Revenue Committee heard public testimony on the measure but took no action.

Proponents say they hope the tax increase from $1.18 a pack would make it too expensive for minors to begin smoking.

Those against the tax hike say the measure would be harmful to low-income people who smoke at much higher rates than the wealthy. They also say it would harm businesses that sell tobacco products.