COLUMBIA -- Raising cigarette taxes might keep teachers in the classroom, according to State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex.
Rex and several state educators came together Thursday to argue the need to increase the state's cigarette tax by $1.27 a pack. Rex argues the move could generate more than $238 million that could be used for education spending.
Rex says the additional funds would be used to avoid forcing teachers to take a week's pay cut and it could also discourage young people from ever lighting up.
"The people who support education in this state and the people who support having a healthy state, are finally coming together and saying to our legislatures--once and for all--quit blowing smoke," said Rex. "Lets act on this, lets make it happen."
South Carolina's current cigarette tax of $.07 per pack is the lowest in the country.
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