State lawmakers are set to debate a proposal that would raise taxes on cigarettes and vaping products, potentially the first in 16 years. The proposal, which has already cleared the Senate, would raise the cigarette tax by about $1.97 per pack and apply a similar increase to vaping products. It also includes an additional 10% tax on flavored products. Supporters argue that the increase could help 5,700 kids start smoking and prompt nearly 21,000 adults to quit within the first year. However, critics argue that higher taxes could harm small businesses and impact low-income smokers.