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The second annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2003 report has been released.  This national report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas—smokefree air, tobacco program funding, cigarette excise taxes, and youth access to tobacco.  Arizona scored grades of  "F" in smokefree air, "B" for its cigarette excise tax, and "C" in youth access to tobacco. In a bright spot, the state earned an "A" in tobacco prevention and control spending.

This report should be a wake-up call to our local elected officials, the legislature, and our governor about the status of tobacco control in Arizona. Our local smokefree air laws are weak. Approximately 53,000 non-smoking Americans die from secondhand smoke each year. No one in Arizona should have to breathe toxic fumes when visiting or working in a public establishment  Now is the time to pass smokefree laws that protect all Arizonans from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke.