The state Senate has approved raising Oregon’s minimum age for tobacco use to 21.  The bill approved 19-8 on Thursday now heads to the House.  If the proposal is eventually signed by Gov. Kate Brown, Oregon would be the third state to increase the legal age for buying and possessing cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 21.  Republican 29th District Senator Bill Hansell voted for the bill, noting his background as a cancer survivor, and a desire to fight that disease in every way possible.  26th District Senator Chuck Thomsen and 30th District Senator Ted Ferrioli both voted against it.  The proposal would reduce Oregon’s tax revenue from tobacco by $1.76 million in the upcoming two-year budget, adding slightly to the state’s projected $1.6 billion budget shortfall.  The losses, however, could be covered from proposals to increase tax rates on tobacco.