MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal for a statewide smoking ban and a tax hike on cigarettes by $1.25 a pack isn't supported by some smokers or businesses, but it's getting rave reviews by the University of Wisconsin's Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention.

Officials said on Wednesday that it's the shock value that tends to convince people it's time to quit smoking, and this could provide that impetus, WISC-TV reported.

Twenty-year smoker Moe Bird celebrates a month free from cigarettes this week.

"Smelling, tasting, exercising; the things I do I have more energy, I sleep better," Bird said, as he came to UW-CTRI for a visit.

It didn't take a statewide smoking ban or a tax hike to get him into a UW-CTRI smoking study. But had these gone into effect, he said that it probably would've pushed him to the group sooner.

"My grandfather died of lung cancer. I don't want to go out like that," he said.

Lezli Redmond, the assistant director of UW-CTRI, said that a passage of both the governor's measures would make a big difference. Within a year, the state could see 42,000 adults quit smoking, 84,000 children never start, and a 20-percent reduction in the children who do smoke. It addition, it might be a big enough change to get people to be willing to deal with withdrawal, WISC-TV reported.

"The withdrawal symptoms are the breaking point for many people," said Chris Ripley, research associate for UW-CTRI, "Because they can be uncomfortable and last for three to four weeks."

But smokers like Bird are proof that with the right tools like medicine and support, the cravings can be overcome.

"In the beginning it was really tough," he said. "But as I go along, it's easier and easier."

UW-CTRI said that there's strong evidence statewide smoking bans and tax hikes result in more adult smokers quitting. It also would bring the state in line with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's goals of reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, preventing kids from starting to smoke and helping people who currently smoke to quit.

UW's Health Study is currently closed to everyone but those who live in the Milwaukee area, but help is still available through the very successful Quit Line. Smokers wishing to quit can call 1-800-Quit-Now.