Quantcast "We can save lives through the establishment of a statewide trauma system, " says Governor Mike Beebe There is no argument at the capitol. Arkansas should no longer be the only state without a level one trauma center. The governor says the 28 million dollars needed to run such a system could be raised by heavier taxes on tobacco. Beebe says, "We can pay for this entire healthcare package, everything that I just outlined with a 56 cent increase to Arkansas' cigarette tax and a reform of the smokeless tobacco tax." That means a carton of Cigarettes will go up More than 5 dollars. And even the smokeless products will see a similar increase, an extra 50 or 60 cents for your pouch of Beechnut or your tin of Copenhagen. Tobacco users are not so fond of the idea, but what about those who take better care of themselves. William Farmer had been working out on a regular basis for More than a year. To him, raising the tobacco tax sounds like a good idea. Farmer says, "Getting trauma centers for people who are badly injuRed in car accidents or whatnot. We don't have the proper treatment here that we need. I think it's a good idea to take an extra 50 to whatever to actually save lives." Tony Beardon supports the plan as well. Along with the barbells, he's picked up a pack or two of Cigarettes in his day. Beardon says, "I think it's going for a good cause. but I was thinking I said if they do pass it, I was going to try my best to quit I know it's not going to be easy but I'm going to try." And that too is part of the plan, the Governor says lowering the number of smokers will also lower the millions the state spends on healthcare for Arkansans