People who light up may have to dig deeper in their pockets to fuel their habit.

The proposed cigarette tax that will increase the cost of cigarettes may have smokers fuming, but the higher tax is a good idea because it might help pay for universal health care.

President Clinton's 1995 federal spending plan includes a proposal for a federal tobacco tax increase from 24 cents to 99 cents a pack. The tax is intended to help finance health care for all Americans.

People who light up have chosen to adopt the habit --they can choose to break the habit if they don't want to pay the higher cost.

Although more than tripling the tax on cigarettes will probably not cause many smokers to stamp out their tobacco sticks, it might raise billions of dollars for the country's health care system.

If the tax is implemented and does in fact raise the necessary money to help fund universal health care, the government should follow suit and increase the tax on other nonessential items, including liquor. Taboo, or "sin," taxes could add money to areas in need. Only those people who wish to indulge in the activities have to pay.

When we, as voters, put Clinton in office we sent a message to Washington that it was time for change. With change, comes sacrifice. Perhaps, the best way to start footing the bill is by forcing those with vices to pay.

So to those who refuse to quit, keep puffing, and pay for everyone else's health care.