In other cost-increasing news, smokers in Arkansas are one step closer to playing about 56 cents a pack more for their nicotine fix after a Senate Committee approved the cigarette tax proposal today.

Back in January, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe proposed a 56 cent per pack tax increase on cigarettes in Arkansas to help pay for a state-wide trauma system.

Last week, the bill narrowly cleared the House by one vote, and today the bill passed in a Senate committee session.

After passing the Senate committee today, the bill will go before the full senate for a vote possibly on Thursday. The proposed tax has squeaked by in both the House, and senate committee votes, and another close vote is expected when the full Senate votes tomorrow.

What do you guys have to say about all this? For it? Against it? Chicken sandwich?