TOBACCO TAX-INCREASE RATE

Amends the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995. Increases the rate of the tax from 18% to 40% beginning on September 1, 2009. Provides that, beginning on October 15, 2009, 45% of the moneys received by the Department under the Act shall be paid into the Long-Term Care Provider Fund and 55% of the moneys received by the Department under the Act shall be paid into the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund (now, all of the moneys are paid into the Long-Term Care Provider Fund). Amends the State Finance Act to create the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund may be used by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services only for the purpose of making reimbursements to providers of goods or services under certain medical assistance programs. Effective immediately.