New York - Pataki Proposes $1 Increase in Cigarette Tax

New York - Gov. George Pataki proposed a $1 spike in New York's cigarette tax, bringing the total price on a pack to about $5.50 outside New York City. The move would result in the highest cigarette tax in the country.

If Pataki's proposal is approved, New York City would lower its tax by $1 to keep taxes on cigarettes there at $3 per pack, according to Pataki's office. The typical total price of a pack there would remain $6.

The state Senate stands by its opposition to any new taxes.