SPRINGFIELD - The cash-strapped state may be looking to smokers as a way to raise money. State Sen. Jeff Schoenberg proposed Tuesday a $1 per pack boost in the state's portion of the cigarette tax. | Illinois House OKs rules to enforce smoking ban | Indiana remains smoking ban holdout

Not only would such an increase bring in $320 million in new cash at a time when the state is facing a billion-dollar plus shortfall in revenue, but it could force people to quit, the Evanston Democrat said.

"It will drive down the number of people who are smoking," Schoenberg said during a Statehouse press conference.

The push comes after a similar proposal was approved in the Senate in 2007, but fizzled in the House after retailers raised strong opposition to the concept.

Schoenberg said he expects a fight.

"We've always had serious push back from the tobacco lobby," Schoenberg said.

Currently, the state's cigarette tax is 98 cents per pack.

The proposed legislation is the latest tax hike talk to rumble through the Capitol.

State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, earlier proposed raising the gasoline tax by 8 cents per gallon to pay for a statewide construction program.

The proposals come as Gov. Rod Blagojevich faces an impeachment trial in the Senate and his possible ouster by mid-February.

Blagojevich has opposed attempts to raise income and sales taxes during his tenure. His possible successor, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, has not been as solidly opposed to tax hikes as Blagojevich.