Local lawmakers say those who smoke cigarettes should have to help pay for research, prevention and care of the deadly effects they have.

On Monday, Sen. Cyrus Habib (D-Kirkland) and Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina) introduced bills SB 5808 in the senate and HB 2194 in the house, which would raise the tax on cigarettes by 50 cents per pack.

Both cancer survivors, the politicians say their legislation is a “transformative opportunity for cancer research and for Washington.”

Habib, who lost his sight at 8-years-old due to a rare form of childhood eye cancer, said it’s necessary for states to step up and support cancer research, especially as federal funding dries up.

“We have the opportunity to make Washington a national leader in cancer research, create jobs and grow our economy in the biotechnology sector while providing the best possible cancer care and prevention for Washingtonians and people across the world,” he said. “This bill will quite literally save lives.”

Cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in the state and a leading cause of childhood mortality due to disease. While many of the state’s high rates of cancer can be treated or prevented if caught early enough and patients have access to effective care, Hunter said the state’s existing infrastructure needs to grow.

“As a two-time cancer survivor I know the importance of high-quality treatment,” Hunter said. “The Seattle area has long been at the leading edge of cancer research and I want to make sure we stay that way. This funding will improve lives around the world and have a significant economic benefit here in Washington.”

According to the proposed bill, money raised by the increased tax would go to help fund research programs at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the University of Washington Medical School and other local research institutions. It’s unclear at this time if or how many would be located on the Eastside.

The senate version of the bill passed out of the Senate Health Care Committee with strong bipartisan support, according to Habib. He and other lawmakers are optimistic the policy will be incorporated in upcoming budget proposal, slated to be presented in the house and senate soon.