Some U.S. Senators want to raise the tax on cigars to as much as ten dollars.
Right now it’s a nickel.
A bill working its way through the Senate would earmark the increased money for state health care programs for children.
Rhoda Bogardus owns a cigar store in Chicago.
She says the higher tax would have her and many of her customers rethinking cigars.
BOGARDUS: If I had to go out and buy a cigar, I would seriously think twice about what I would be buying.
She says she has written to her senators, urging them to reject the tax hike.
President Bush has threatened to veto such legislation, citing his opposition to expanded federal funding for health care.