Originally published February 21 2006
Tobacco Control report criticizes Feds for failing to fund prevention programs
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The American Lung Association released its fourth annual State of Tobacco Control Report Card, which found that too little money was being spent on tobacco prevention programs, especially by the federal government, which drew heavy criticism for its lack of action.
The war against tobacco rages on, with some battles won -- a growing number of states have banned smoking in public places -- and some lost -- too little funding has gone toward tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
Nine states have now banned smoking in all public spaces and workplaces, according to the association, which is challenging all states to become smoke-free by 2010.
And more than 100 municipalities not in smoke-free states have adopted similar laws.
And in 2005, for the first time, the report card had a valedictorian, with Maine receiving an A in all four categories measured, including cigarette taxes.
"It's one that we would be proud to take home to our parents," said Edward Miller, chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of Maine.
But the report card also criticized the federal government for not doing enough to combat smoking among Americans.
I don't know how I can put it any other way," said John Kirkwood, president and CEO of the American Lung Association.
Thanks to various programs, youth smoking rates have plummeted 59 percent since 1997, and adult smoking rates have fallen 6 percent, from 27 percent in 1990 to 21 percent in 2005.
The state has come a long way since 1996, when it had the highest rate of young adult smoking.
But the report card called prevention programs across the country generally under-funded, with 40 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico getting Fs for program funding.
Twenty states have a tax of $1 or more and five (including Maine) have a tax of $2 or more.
Dr. William Hacker, Kentucky's commissioner of public health, said, "The report documents that Kentucky has a significant public health problem as it relates to tobacco.
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