Cullerton backs $1 per pack cigarette tax hike May 8, 2019 | Legislature, Top Stories Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said Tuesday he backs a $1 per pack tax hike on cigarettes, nearly triple what Gov. JB Pritzker proposed in his budget in February.To access this content, you must purchase 1 Year Health News Illinois Subscription or 1 Year Group Subscription - Up to 5 Users, or log in if you are a member.