PEORIA – Illinois smokers are bracing for a $1-a-pack increase on cigarette taxes that takes effect today, with many trying to stock up and others vowing to kick the habit.

The tax on a pack of cigarettes will jump from 98 cents to $1.98, a move lawmakers and health advocates say will generate desperately needed revenue for the state while cutting smoking rates.

“Every research organization that’s looked at this ... has concluded that raising price is one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among young people,” said Danny McGoldrick, vice president of research for the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, a nationwide anti-smoking organization.