CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Governor John Lynch is about to tell a legislative committee some more ways he wants to close a budget shortfall.

His proposals are expected to include a 25 cent per pack increase in the state cigarette tax. The current tax is $1.08 a pack.

The Telegraph of Nashua reports that in addition to the cigarette tax hike, Lynch also wants to cut in half a 20 percent discount that restaurants and grocery stores get for wine they buy from the state.
Without giving details, the governor’s office says Lynch will present an overall strategy to deal with the shortfall to the House Finance Committee on Thursday afternoon.

Lynch already has ordered spending cuts and a hiring freeze. More proposed cuts are expected to be announced later.