Resources

Fact Sheet: States need to invest in tobacco prevention programs
This fact sheet, prepared by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, illustrates how states should not rely solely on excise tax increases, but also implement a comprehensive tobacco control program. To view the fact sheet, click here.

top

Colorado:
 
Colorado Treasurer wants to cash in on tobacco tax
The interim Colorado Treasurer has called on the state legislature to cash in the state’s share of the master settlement agreement. A lump payment now means the state gives up annual tobacco payments of roughly $100 million over several decades and settles for a one-time payment of approximately $1.3 billion. The Treasurer is concerned that holding off on collecting in full sends a mixed message and would put the state’s funding at risk by linking it to the fiscal condition of the tobacco industry. Click here for more information.

Missouri:
 
Audit shows that Missouri needs to spend more on tobacco control
A state auditor has concluded that Missouri should be spending more on its smoking prevention programs. She found that of the one billion dollars Missouri received from the tobacco settlement, only $1.8 million was used for any type of smoking prevention. Most of the money was being transferred to the general fund and the state was charging the tobacco settlement fund a fee to transfer that money. Click here for more information

Rhode Island:
 
Rhode Island Governor proposes cutting half of state’s tobacco control funding
Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri is proposing to cut the state's tobacco-control budget in half while requiring health insurers to pay for smoking-cessation programs and medication. Carcieri's plan calls for trimming the state antismoking plan from $2.2 million to $1 million, eliminating funding for treatment and cutting the program's advertising budget by $225,000. He says insurers should be made to cover treatment, and suggested that they offer premium discounts to smokers who quit. Click here for more information.

top

Back to Table of Contents