Mississippi got three F's and a D on the latest tobacco report card issued by the American Lung Association. One reason singled out was the state spent just over $600,000 last year on tobacco prevention.

Lawmakers are feeling the pressure to fully fund prevention programs and raise the tax on cigarettes.

"I don't know that I've ever seen in my 24-year legislative career the kind of advocacy coming from the heartland of Mississippi against smoking," said Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville, chairman of the House Public Health Committee.

Holland says the House is ready to vote on a bill to create a Mississippi Tobacco Control Commission with the $20 million the state gets annually from the tobacco settlement. That money used to go straight to the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi.

"If we can't do it, which we would love to do, but if we can't do this particular brand of work, then we want to make sure that it is done in the state," said Sandra Shelson, executive director of the Partnership.

Shelson says even though there's nothing in the bill specifically for the Partnership, she's hopeful they'll be able to continue their work that gained national recognition.

"You would think, if this commission is indeed formed, then they would look to the experts in this area, and the Partnership is the expert," said Shelson.

A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate where Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck also plans to raise the tax on cigarettes and lower the tax on groceries.

The governor vetoed two attempts last year, but Holland says a cigarette tax increase will happen this year.

"I don't know what form it will wind up. Some are 50 cents. Some are a dollar. But the fact of the matter is, it's a high agenda item and that's what's important this year.," Holland said.

Mississippi did score highest in two areas on the tobacco report card, on random inspections and enforcement. Both are duties of the attorney general's office.