Gov. Mike DeWine is proposing to increase the minimum age to purchase cigarettes in Ohio from age 18 to 21, according to budget documents released Friday.

The budget documents said the administration’s proposal is part of a health policy initiative.

Ohio law on the the age limit would change with approval of the budget, applying to “cigarettes and cigarette papers, other tobacco products, and alternative nicotine products,” the budget proposal said.

Cleveland.com is looking at various aspects of Gov. Mike DeWine’s budget. You can find all of our coverage here.

Separately, several cities such as Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland Heights and Stow have taken up the same issue in recent months.

DeWine’s budget proposal projects the change would reduce sales and tobacco tax collections by $17 million in the first year of the two-year budget, and $22.7 million less in the second year .

Ohio taxes cigarettes at a rate of $1.60 per pack of 20 cigarettes.

Lawmakers have until the end of June to approve the next two-year state budget.

“I truly believe that this is the start of a new day for public health in Ohio with Gov. DeWine making the health and well-being of all Ohioans a high-priority on his agenda," said Dr. Amy Acton. head of the Ohio Department of Health. "His budget proposals advancing public health in Ohio are evidence of this strong commitment, and we look forward to working collaboratively with our public and private partners at the state and local levels to help realize his vision.”

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network issued a statement praising DeWine for his proposal to increase the age for purchasing cigarettes but criticizing him for not doing more.

“By not increasing the state’s cigarette tax, the other tobacco products tax including e-cigarettes or properly funding the states Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program, the governor has missed an opportunity to keep kids from starting tobacco and help those already using tobacco to quit,” said Jeff Stephens, director of government relations in Ohio for the group.