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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.  Wisconsin scored grades of "D" in youth access laws, "F" in tobacco prevention and control spending, and "F" in smokefree air.  Our highest grade was a "C" for the cigarette tax.

This report is a call to action to the legislature and governor about the status of tobacco control in Wisconsin.  Even as our best showing, our cigarette tax ranks only "average" among the states and the prevalence of youth smoking is still higher than the national average.  Studies show that when the price of cigarettes goes up, youth smoking rates go down.  In fact, for every 10 percent increase in price, youth smoking rates will drop by about 7 percent.

Revenues from cigarette excise taxes can fund tobacco prevention and education programs and other budget priorities, such as much needed Medicaid services.  Medicaid provides health care for Wisconsin's most financially vulnerable citizens -- and those most in need of resources to help them quit smoking.  States that fund and implement strong comprehensive tobacco control programs have achieved significant reductions in tobacco use among both adults and youth.  A reduction in tobacco use saves thousands of lives and produces enormous declines in state health care costs and other tobacco-related expenditures.