(RALEIGH) -- Health advocates gathered in Raleigh to call attention to legislation that would raise the cigarette tax by dollar a pack. Supporters say the measure is an effective way to keep people from smoking while generating additional revenue to close next year’s projected budget gap.

"Raising North Carolina's tobacco tax by a dollar will reduce smoking among North Carolina youth by 15 percent and will ultimately keep 81,200 of North Carolina kids from starting to smoke," said Democratic bill co-sponsor Rep. Jennifer Weiss.

North Carolina Alliance for Health executive director Pam Seamans said the cigarette tax could bring in roughly $300 million next year. "I a year when North Carolina is facing a serious budget deficit and considering cuts to vital public health and education programs why would we leave this source of revenue that will save lives and lower health care costs off the table and out of the discussion," said Seamans.

Both House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate leader Phil Berger have said the proposed tax increase will not clear either chamber.