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 The third annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2004 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.  Iowa scored grades of "F" in cigarette excise tax, "F" in tobacco prevention and control spending, "F" in smokefree air.  Iowa earned a "C" grade for it youth access to tobacco programs.

This report is a wake-up call to the legislature and our governor about the true status of tobacco control in Iowa.  Our cigarette tax is extremely low (42nd in the nation) and the prevalence of youth smoking is too high (27% of IA high school students are regular smokers).  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.  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.

Please take a moment to send the attached letter to your State Senator, State Representative and Governor Vilsack.