By Nina Mandell
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN – Smokers could help fill New York’s huge budget shortfall under new cigarette taxes proposed by Governor Paterson.
The $1.60 per pack raise, included in emergency spending bills Paterson has sent to the legislature, brings New York's cigarette costs to among the highest in the nation. Packs already cost about $10.
The Governor also plans to apply the tax to chewing tobacco, cigars and other tobacco products, reports the New York Post.
Together, the tax increases would bring in $290 million, Paterson's office estimates, according to the Post.
The legislature must pass an emergency spending plan on Monday or face a government shutdown.