[SheLion]

I'd be interested in the details of their argument. It's a little different than this discussion from the Legislative Analysts Office evaluation of the 2003-04 Budget Bill, but seems related. I can't figure out what how an increase could effect the original settlement with the tobacco industry:

Well, whether it effects the MSA or not, it DOES impact smokers............again!  California smokers are paying the Tobacco Settlement Money 110%.  NOT Big Tobacco and NOT the state of California.  But the smokers!

I think it's time the state go after someone else for a change.

[calcowgirl]

I think it's time the state go after someone else for a change.

I think it's time the state quit their nanny-state socialism, cut government and quit spending!
But I agree, going after smokers (again) makes no sense.