Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics a coalition of health and community organizations in New York are supporting a push for a $1-per-pack increase in the state's cigarette tax. The coalition this month released a letter to top state lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly calling for the tax increase as a public health benefit, as well as a way to raise revenue. "Despite the well-documented benefits of tobacco tax increases, New York has not increased most tobacco taxes in over a decade," the groups wrote in the letter. "Tobacco tax increases are a win-win-win; they improve public health, reduce healthcare costs, and generate revenue. ..." The letter was released by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and has the backing of other organizations, including the New York State PTA, the Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Region, and multiple health advocacy groups. It is estimated a tax increase would bring an additional $38.8 million in revenue for the state. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.