ANNAPOLIS - Maryland lawmakers are readying for a fight to raise the state's alcohol tax.

Members of the Senate health committee asked the state's health secretary on Thursday for studies on Maryland's drinking habits and how consumption in other states has been affected by changes in the alcohol tax. 

Prince George's County senators Joanne Benson and Paul Pinsky were among those asking for studies on the issue.

The dime-a-drink tax being pushed by health care advocates would amount to roughly $2.40 on a case of beer — to help fund health care services for people with developmental disabilities.

Maryland lawmakers have long considered the tax, but the Senate and House remain divided over the issue.

The dime-a-drink bill failed in the last session, and a similar 5-cent alcohol tax failed the year before.