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The third annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control:2004 report has been released.  This national report card analzes 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 cigarette excise tax, "F" in tobacco prevention and control spending, "F" in smokefree air, and "D" in youth access.

This report is a notice to the legislature and Governor Doyle about the true status of tobacco control in Wisconsin.  Our cigarette tax has dropped to below average nationally, and funding for programs to lower tobacco use has been slashed by more than half.  Studies show that when the price of cigarettes goes up, as when there is a tax increase, youth smoking rates go down.  In fact, for every 10 percent increase in price, youth smoking rates will drop by about seven percent.

Revenues from tobacco taxes can also fund tobacco prevention and education programs and other health priorities, including Wisconsin's imperiled Medicaid program.  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 Governor Doyle to raise the cigarette excise tax in Wisconsin by 85 cents and use some of the revenues to increase funding for Wisconsin's tobacco control and prevention program.