Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York legislative leaders have delivered an important victory for kids and health by agreeing on a state budget that includes a $1 increase in the state cigarette tax. The evidence is clear that raising the price of cigarettes is one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking, especially among kids. The $1 cigarette tax increase will prevent kids from smoking, encourage smokers to quit, save lives and save money by reducing tobacco-related health care costs, which total over $12 billion per year in New York.