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The annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2005 report has been released.  This national report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas:  tobacco prevention and control funding, youth access to tobacco, cigarette tax, and smokefree air.  Minnesota's best grade was a "B" for tobacco prevention and control spending, and we scored a "C" for our youth access to tobacco spending and our cigarette tax.  We scored an "F" for smokefree air, because Minnesota does not have a strong comprehensive statewide smokefree law.

This report should be a wake-up call to the legislature and our governor about the status of tobacco control in Minnesota.  Our state's smokefree air laws are weak.  Approximately 38,000 non-smoking Americans die from secondhand smoke each year.  No one in Minnesota should have to breathe toxic fumes when visiting or working in a public establishment.  The time is now to pass a comprehensive statewide law that will save lives.