Most States Don’t Fully Fund Anti-Smoking Programs

By Joanne Morrison

WASHINGTON — More states are restricting smoking in bars, restaurants and places of work, but the majority have failed to properly fund programs to educate children and help Americans break the unhealthy habit, the American Lung Association said on Tuesday.

Four years ago, only two states — California and Delaware — had such restrictions. Since then at least eight more states have reached smoke-free status, with New Jersey this week joining others in on the ban.

And while the association considers this progress, it is still only a small patchwork of states that restrict smoking in public places.

"We see this as a significant health issue. Those that don’t smoke should be able to go to a restaurant, a bar or their place of work or wherever and not be confronted with a hazard to their health," said John L. Kirkwood, President and CEO of the association.

The association reviewed smoke-free air regulations, excise taxes imposed on tobacco products, youth education and prevention initiatives and programs to help smokers quit.

Forty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico received an "F" for program funding. Almost eight years after the state tobacco settlement, known as the Master Settlement Agreement, only six states — Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Mississippi and Wyoming — have sustained commitments to significantly funding prevention and cessation programs.

Maine was the first state to receive all As in each of the four categories.

But the federal government has done little to discourage smoking, leaving states to fund prevention programs and create smoke-free environments, the study found.

"The federal excise tax of 39 cents is pathetically low," said Paul Billings, vice president of National Policy and Advocacy at the association.