Pa. House passes cigarette tax, next up is state Senate

After a months-long delay, the Pennsylvania state House approved a bill authorizing the city of Philadelphia to impose a tax of $2 per pack on cigarettes to fund schools.

The bill - which passed without debate largely along party lines, 114-84 - next goes to the Senate, which could take a final vote as early as Wednesday.

Philadelphia lawmakers applauded the bill's passage as a way to generate funds to address an $80 million school budget shortfall. School superintendent William Hite had said without it he would be forced to close schools and lay off teachers and staff.

Mayor Nutter in an interview called the vote a "resounding victory" and praised leaders in both parties for their support

Each week the tax was delayed meant the loss of $1.6 million in revenue for schools.

- Amy Worden