Smokers across the state are paying a lot more to light up this morning.

The newly-approved state tax increase on cigarettes goes into effect today.

The $1.60 increase brings the state tax to $4.35, the highest in the nation. Add on the city's tax of a $1.50, and a pack will cost up to $12 in the five boroughs.

"It's absurd, that's a lot of money," said one smoker.

"It is unfair," said another. "That's discrimination to smokers, against smokers."

"I'm trying, I'm weaning myself off because it's time to quit," said a third. "[It's too expensive and] it's still health and everything, so it's time to quit and move on."

State lawmakers approved the increase Monday as part of an emergency spending plan. It includes a tax hike on other tobacco products, including chewing tobacco. Little cigars will be taxed like cigarettes.

"I work in the nightlife industry so I think it's unfair that they tax liquor and cigarettes, which is part of my marketing and a part of my business," said yet another smoker. "So I don't think it's really a fair thing."

Lawmakers say the increase will raise $290 million a year towards the state's $9 billion budget gap.

Taxes on snuff and other tobacco products will rise at the start of August.