The cigarette tax bill (HB 1177) passed a Pennsylvania House of Representatives vote by 119 to 80, allowing Philadelphia to exact a $2-per-pack tax on cigarettes to help fund Philly schools.

The Philadelphia School District had been waiting for the the green light on the cigarette tax to help get rid of debt. City officials believe that the tax will bring $40 to $45 million in its first year and increase in following years.

The bill has been a constant struggle in Harrisburg between Republicans who control the House and Democrats who represent Philadelphia. According to NewsWorks, House Republicans had stated that they would only allow a vote on the cigarette tax bill if the Philly delegation compromised on crucial Republican issues.

Some believe that the cigarette tax is a victory for Philly schools, others think the tax will cause smokers to purchase outside of Philadelphia.

Banner image by Andrew Vargas, Creative Commons