11.9.11 A Bogalusa legislator said Tuesday that he hopes the permanent renewal of a state cigarette tax will generate an additional $48 million a year for health care.

State Rep. Harold Ritchie said he is told that the $12 million the tax generates possibly can be used to draw down another $36 million in federal funds.

"What I hope is that we can take that $12 million and use it to where we can get a federal match," said Ritchie, D-Bogalusa.