Topeka ? Lawmakers on Thursday started what promises to be a fiery debate over a proposed increase in the state cigarette tax.

After a hearing in the House Tax Committee, Chairman Kenny Wilk, R-Lansing, said the measure faces strong opposition.

“We’re spending a lot of money for health care, and we’re being asked to look at another revenue source. At what point can we say, ‘More money is not the solution?’ ” Wilk asked.

But health care advocates say a 50-cent per-pack tax increase would provide needed revenue to offset the health costs of smoking and reduce smoking, especially among young people.

Dr. Barbara Atkinson, executive vice chancellor of Kansas University Medical Center, said the tax’s deterrent effect “is probably the major benefit, more than producing revenue.”

Tobacco causes 4,000 deaths and $930 million in health care costs each year in Kansas, according to the Kansas Health Policy Authority.

Under the bill, the state tax on cigarettes would increase from 79 cents per pack to $1.29 per pack on July 1.

The tax would increase annually at the rate of inflation, which is projected to be about 4 cents per year.

Hearings will continue today on the proposal.

The tax increase would raise an average of $67 million annually for the first six years and help pay for a five-year, $227 million initiative to expand health coverage for Kansans.