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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.  Florida performed poorly by receiving an "F" in tobacco control spending and cigarette taxes and a "D" in youth access to tobacco laws. One bright spot, Florida earned a "B" grade for our smokefree air.

Florida's tobacco control program needs your help. Since 1998, the state has appropriated funds from Florida's tobacco settlement to pay for tobacco prevention and control programs.  In FY 1998-99, the Florida Legislature allocated $70 million for program's first full year of funding.  Since that time the legislature has systematically cut the program's budget to a mere $1 million for FY 2003-04.  These devastating cuts occurred despite the proven success of the program.   Florida's Governor, Jeb Bush, has publicly vowed to fight to restore the funding this nationally acclaimed program. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the recommended budget for a comprehensive tobacco control program in Florida ranges from $78 million to $221 million per year. It is critical that Florida invest tobacco settlement dollars to prevent our children from becoming addicted to tobacco and help adult smokers kick the habit. This is a sound investment that will save lives and reduce our state's health care costs.

Please take a moment to send the attached letter to Governor Bush and your legislators,asking them to restore funding to Florida's comprehensive youth tobacco control program.