AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — There’s little political momentum in the Maine State House to raise taxes this year, but a bill facing review seeks to boost the state’s cigarette tax significantly.

The Taxation Committee on Wednesday takes up a bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Elspeth Flemings of Bar Harbor. Her proposal would increase the cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack, from $2 to $3.50.

The intent is to help discourage young people to take up smoking. Money from the tax increase would help fund the operation of a tobacco help line.

An American Lung Association report on tobacco use in Maine released earlier this year expressed disappointment Maine doesn’t have a higher cigarette tax and suggested raising it by $1.50 per pack.