New cigarette tax goes into effect

ALBANY, NY - Smokers across the New York state are paying a lot more to light up this morning.

Consumers are being zinged with newly-approved state taxes that raise the price $1.60 a pack.

The increase brings the state tax to $4.35, the highest in the nation.

The state tax increase was approved by the State Senate last week in an effort to balance the state budget.

Taxes on snuff and other tobacco products will also rise at the start of August.