The S.C. House has approved a 50-cent per pack increase to the nation's lowest cigarette tax, using the money to pay for a new health care program for low-income workers and those who can not be insured.
The measure passed with little debate, 97-22. A measure to lower the increase to 30-cents a pack narrowly failed.
Last year the House approved a tax increase but could not override a veto from Gov. Mark Sanford. Thursday's margin was more than the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.


