ST. PAUL — Two Republican lawmakers want Minnesota’s cigarette tax to more than double as a way to deter smoking and to repay Minnesota schools for aid delays during recent state budgets.

Sen. Carla Nelson and Rep. Mike Benson, both of Rochester, outlined the bill Monday that they will formally introduce later in the week. Nelson acknowledged it cuts against Republican anti-tax orthodoxy but says she hopes her party and the public will embrace it because of the intended purpose.

Minnesota’s current $1.23 cent per-pack tax currently ranks among the middle of all states.