Lung Association Reports Voters in 3 States OK Tobacco Control Ballot Initiatives

11/6/2002

From: Diane Maple of the American Lung Association 202-785-3355

NEW YORK, Nov. 6 -- Voters in three states approved measures on Tuesday aimed at controlling and preventing tobacco use. The victories represent major steps in the fight against the nation's tobacco epidemic. (See attached chart with details on the tobacco-related ballot initiatives.)

"We applaud the voters in Arizona, Florida and Montana for protecting public health from the ravages of tobacco use," said John L. Kirkwood, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.

Citizens voted to increase tobacco taxes in Arizona. Arizona's cigarette tax is now $1.18, one of the highest in the country and the highest among its immediate neighbors. Taxes on other tobacco products were also increased in the state.

Kirkwood was enthusiastic about the Arizona tobacco tax increase. "Cigarette taxes are the most effective way to curb tobacco consumption. Studies have shown that for every 10 percent increase in tax, there is a 7 percent reduction in youth smoking and a 4 percent reduction overall," he said.

Voters in Montana approved the dedication of funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) to tobacco control and prevention programs. Montana will now spend 32 percent of the MSA on these programs.

"States that adequately fund their tobacco prevention programs see a marked decline in smoking and smoking-related health problems," said Kirkwood.

Perhaps the most important ballot victory on Tuesday took place in Florida, where voters overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment to ban smoking in most workplaces, including restaurants and in-home childcare. The only exceptions will be stand-alone bars and tobacco shops.

"This is a huge public health victory for every Floridian and everyone who visits Florida," said Kirkwood. "Secondhand smoke is a killer. Workers and patrons of almost every business in Florida can now breathe easier."

Voters in Michigan rejected an initiative to dedicate 90 percent of the MSA to health care, smoking prevention and prescription drugs for the elderly. In Missouri, an initiative to raise the tobacco taxes trails 49.2 percent to 50.8 percent as of 8:22am CST November 6, 2002.

------ 2002 Tobacco Control Ballot Initiatives

--- Arizona Yes: 66.2 percent

Proposition 303. Increases the state tax on cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products. -- Cigarette Tax: from $.58 to $1.18 per pack -- Loose or chewing tobacco: from 6.5" to 13.3" per oz. -- Plug tobacco: from 1.6" to 3.3" per oz. -- Small cigars: from 12.9" to 26.3" per 20 -- Other cigars: from 6.4" to 13" per 3

New tax revenue will be devoted to health care programs and research.

In addition, Proposition 303 repeals and reenacts, with few changes, the Tobacco Tax and Health Care Fund Education Account for tobacco control and prevention funding. Since voter-passed initiatives are constitutionally protected, this effectively prevents future legislatures from making major changes to these programs or their funding.

Go to http://www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/45leg/HCR2047TPTHS.pdf for more information.

--- Florida Yes: 71 percent

Amendment 6. Institutes a constitutionally mandated ban on smoking in most enclosed indoor workplaces, including restaurants and in-home child and elder care facilities. The law would exempt private residences, stand-alone bars, tobacco shops and designated guest room in hotels.

Go to http://www.smokefreeforhealth.org/ for more information

--- Michigan No: 60 percent

Proposal 4. Directs 90 percent of the state's Master Settlement Agreement revenue to smoking prevention, research and health care, including: -- 13 percent to the Elder Prescription Drug Fund; -- 31 percent to the Tobacco Settlement Research and Education Fund; -- 46 percent to the Tobacco Illness Care Fund.

Go to http://www.tobaccomoney.com/new/proposal.asp for more information.

--- Missouri Trails: 49.2 percent

Proposition A. The Healthy Missouri Initiative increases the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Cigarette taxes would increase by 55" to 72" per pack, and the tax on other tobacco products would increase from 10 percent to 30 percent. All revenue from the increases would be placed in the Healthy Families Trust Fund and spent on specific health-related investments. The money will be divided into specific categories, health care treatment and access (including prescription drug assistance for seniors and access to health-care coverage for uninsured, low-income adults, children and seniors), emergency medical and trauma care, smoking-prevention programs, medical research in preventing and curing cancer and other deadly diseases, and to expand the availability of early child care and education.

Go to http://www.kcchamber.com/vote/BallotQuestions.htm for more information.

--- Montana Yes: 65 percent

Statutory Initiative 146. Designates how Master Settlement Agreement revenue will be spent: -- 32 percent to tobacco prevention programs; -- 17 percent to the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Montana Comprehensive Health Association; -- 40 percent to the Tobacco Trust Fund; and -- 11 percent to the state's general fund.

Go to http://sos.state.mt.us/textonly/ELB/Ballot_Measures.asp for more information.