HARTFORD, Conn. -- A bill proposed and passed by lawmakers in Hartford this year will take effect on Oct. 1.

The bill raised the cigarette tax from $2 to $3, the second-highest in the nation behind Rhode Island.

Gov. Jodi Rell estimated that the extra revenue could bring in close to $230 million over the next two years alone.

Every cent will be going into state coffers to help balance the state budget.

Critics said that they would like to see some of the money going into programs to help people quit smoking.

The group Mobilizing Against Tobacco For Connecticut’s Health argues that if some of the money is spent on anti-smoking programs, it could cut tobacco product usage by 11percent.