Lung Health News, Spring / Summer 2003
SA proposed $1.10 per pack tobacco tax increase could help raise much-needed funds for tobacco use prevention, including anti-smoking education programs for teens and quit-smoking classes. But Governor Gray Davis’ proposed tobacco tax hike doesn’t earmark a percentage of these new funds for prevention and education.
The American Lung Association of California is urging the Governor to set aside at least 20 cents per pack for programs to reduce tobacco use. California has drastically reduced tobacco use since its landmark anti-smoking campaign was funded through the passage of Proposition 99 in 1988. But those funds are dwindling and the state needs to set aside other tobacco tax funds to continue this successful public health program.
