The National Association of Tobacco Outlets predicts that Pennsylvania would lose between $95 million and $106 million in revenues if Congress increases the federal excise tax on cigarettes and tobacco products.

The total loss of revenues to all 50 states is estimated at somewhere between $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion, according to the association, which represents businesses that sell tobacco products.

Congress is considering raising the federal tax on tobacco by 61 cents to fund the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

"The politicians in Washington who are pushing for a punitive 156 percent increase in cigarette taxes and even higher tax increases on other tobacco products will exacerbate the current deep recession through the loss of up to 117,000 union and non-union jobs and at least $1.8 billion annually in lost revenues for the states," said Tom Briant, the association's executive director.

Massive Tobacco Tax Increase by Congress Spells Even More Economic Disaster for Jobs and State Economies

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Here's this week's State Capitol Roudup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147):

State Revenues Fall Short of Estimate, Generating Economic Concerns

The state Department of Revenue recently reported that General Fund revenues have fallen short of meeting monthly projections, as August collections were $117.5 million below estimates. Collectively, this puts the state $117.6 million below estimate for the current fiscal year following July's $80,000 shortfall. August marks the fourth time in the last six months the Commonwealth has missed its estimate by more than $100 million, and it highlights exactly why Republican lawmakers fought hard during budget negotiations earlier this year to control government spending and preserve the state's Rainy Day Fund. Although successful, it appears these efforts may not be enough, as Gov. Ed Rendell continues to press for expensive and poorly planned programs such as his health care proposal. House Republicans have instead been advocating a fiscally responsible plan to ensure access to quality, affordable health care. For more information on both initiatives, visit HealthCareForPAFamilies.com

Busy Hearing Schedule Closes Out Summer Recess for Legislature

A number of important issues are set to be discussed next week in a series of committee meetings. On Monday, the House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony expected to point toward a need for stronger penalties for drivers involved in hit-and-run fatalities. Existing law, which calls for a one-year mandatory minimum sentence, has effectively encouraged drunk drivers, who would otherwise face a three-year sentence, to leave accident scenes. The House Insurance Committee will also hold a hearing to gather information regarding merger plans for Highmark and Independence Blue Cross. Later in the week, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will meet to discuss the looming expiration of electricity rate caps and how price volatility will impact Pennsylvanians. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Committee Holds Hearing on GOP Health Care Proposals

The House Insurance Committee held hearings this week to discuss Republican-sponsored proposals to better market state health benefit programs to more uninsured individuals. House Bills 2123 and 2124, which are sponsored by Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester), would allow insurance agents to directly market both the AdultBasic and Children's Health Insurance programs and receive commissions for doing so. While the vast majority of Pennsylvanians, as many as 92 percent, already receive some form of health care benefits, Republican lawmakers understand that more needs to be done to help those who are uninsured. Making certain that these individuals can pay for health care could lower the overall cost of health care-even for those who are already insured.

Indoor Smoking Ban to Take Effect

Starting on Thursday, Sept. 11, Pennsylvanians will no longer be permitted to smoke in public places due to a statewide ban that was passed last June. The new law bans smoking in most public places and workplaces. While office buildings, restaurants and theaters fall into the group of facilities where individuals will no longer be able to smoke, several exceptions are made in the law. Smoking will be permitted in up to 25 percent of a casino floor, in private memberships clubs that are at least 10 years old and whose officers vote to permit smoking, in private homes, in tobacco shops and manufacturing facilities, and in a number of small "mom and pop" taverns where food sales do not exceed 20 percent of total revenue. For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us

Smoke 'em if you got 'em, but only until Sept. 11, when the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act, otherwise known as the smoking ban, begins.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has a took kit to help Keystone State businesses deal with the new law, which will prohibit smoking in most public places, including restaurants, workplaces and a portion of casino floors.

You can also get more information at the Department of Health Web site, http://www.health.state.pa.us

Follow the link below for more information on how the state is preparing for the smoking ban.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Prepares for Implementation of Clean Indoor Air Act

It's high noon for Pennsylvania smokers on Friday the 13th.

Gov. Ed Rendell plans to sign Senate Bill 246, Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act, at noon on Friday at The Ambler Theater in Ambler, Montgomery County.

That's in the home district of state Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, who was instrumental in getting the smoking ban passed.

The ban will take effect 90 days after Rendell adds his signature, so start smoking more over the summer. By fall, smokers will be hunted down as criminals, facing fines and jail time if they light up in the wrong place.

For directions and parking information, visit www.amblertheater.org

I dare you to go to the ceremony and light up while Rendell is signing the bill.