Patrick is proposing to raise $260 million in new revenues to balance next year’s budget, including $62.5 million by increasing the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 50 cents to $3.01 to help pay for court-mandated subsidized health care for legal immigrants who qualify. Patrick also wants to raise $61.5 million for public health services by imposing the 6.25 percent sales tax on candy and soda.
