The effort to raise the state's cigarette tax for the first time since 2007 hit roadblocks.

Health groups have been lobbying to have the cigarette tax raised by $1.50 but the hike has been left out the Senate's budget.

Senate Republicans rolled out their version of the budget bill, one that diverges from the House budget in a few key areas.

The 2017 legislative session reached its halfway point as lawmakers killed some measures and moved others to the next chamber.

Republican Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer of Beech Grove says the bill will help address the state's high smoking rates and improve Indiana's overall health.

Nearly one in four Hoosier adults smoke, and more than 11,000 die each year from smoking related diseases.

Researchers found that costs associated with tobacco use total $6.8 billion each year.

The plan includes increases in the gas and cigarette taxes. Its authors argue they are modest, necessary moves that help create a long term funding solution. But several members of the Senate Appropriations Committee seemed skeptical about proposal’s tax increases.

Indiana residents would pay more for gasoline and cigarettes but less in state income taxes under a bill the House has approved.

The House Republican road funding bill remains unchanged as the measure goes up for passage in the House Tuesday. Democrats made one last effort Monday to advance their own road funding plan.