Governor Jim Doyle is counting on a $1.25 increase in the cigarette tax to raise $550 million over the next two years. But Bob Bartlett with the Association of Convenience Stores says the proposal could lead to other problems, such as bringing organized crime in to Wisconsin. Bartlett says it could happen with more smokers going online to buy their cigarettes, which could save them nearly $20 a carton.
The higher cigarette tax is included in the Governor's budget plan. Its future in the state legislature is uncertain. (WIBA's John Colbert contributed this report)