(07/10/06) TRENTON ? The New Jersey budget crisis may be over, but Garden State smokers are fuming over the spending plan?s ramifications.

Starting Saturday, smokers will have to pay an extra 18 cents per pack to feed their habit. The extra cash is part of tax increases designed to help balance New Jersey?s budget. Smokers say they can?t fathom having to pay almost $7 dollars for a pack of cigarettes. Some have even resorted to splitting the cost of a pack with other smokers to ease the financial burden.

Along with a hike in rental car surcharges that started Monday, a new luxury car tax will also go into effect Saturday. Those buying luxury cars will pay more than the standard 1 percent sales tax increase. However, some car dealers aren?t really that concerned. They say prospective luxury car buyers usually have a little extra money to burn.

Related information: Gov. Corzine signs off on budget, officially ending impasse