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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.  North Carolina scored grades of  “F” in cigarette excise tax, "D" in tobacco prevention and control spending, "F" in smokefree air, and "F" in youth access to tobacco.

This report is a wake-up call to the legislature and our governor about the true status of tobacco control in North Carolina. Our cigarette tax is extremely low at only $.05 per pack and the prevalence of youth smoking is too high. 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.

On a positive note, the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund has done significant work to combat teen tobacco use through strong increases in funding for statewide work in this area.  THANK YOU to the Commissioners of this fund for their support of North Carolina's efforts.