Tobacco tax increase proposed as source of trauma care funding

ARKANSAS: Tobacco tax to be considered by state lawmakers

State legislatures are looking for money everywhere, and many states are attempting to raise cigarette taxes to pay for trauma care in their states. Arkansas supporters of a bill to do just that are working to persuade more Republicans to jump on board as the measure comes up this week.

The House Rules Committee is expected to consider a bill Wednesday that will increase cigarette and chewing tobacco taxes to fund a statewide trauma system and other health-care programs. House Speaker Robbie Wills, D-Conway, said he has the votes in the committee to advance the measure and that he's now working on getting the bill through the full House.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: GOP Rep. Bonner won't run for governor next year

FLORIDA: Dominican Republic to get solar plant with Florida company's backing

GEORGIA: Rep. Phil Gingrey doesn't want Gitmo prisoners in the state

KENTUCKY: State graduation requirement could be cut if bill passes

LOUISIANA: Attack ads funded by national Democrats go after three La. congressmen

MISSISSIPPI: Voter ID bill gains momentum, survives legislative deadline

NORTH CAROLINA: UNC to burn methane gas from landfill to gain federal carbon credits

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate bill aims to put DHEC under governor's control

TENNESSEE: Compact fluorescent bulbs could become toxic problem in landfills

VIRGINIA: Senate Finance Committee kills Gov. Kaine's proposal to double cigarette tax

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