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The annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2006 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.  Once again, Florida had failing grades on cigarette excise tax and tobacco prevention and control spending and fared only slightly better with a "D" for its youth access to tobacco law. One bright spot, Florida earned a "B" grade in smokefree air.

This report should be wake-up call to the legislature and our governor about the true status of tobacco control in Florida. Ranking 46^th, Florida’s cigarette tax is extremely low. 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.

Additionally, Florida’s once nationally recognized youth tobacco prevention program has been decimated after years of low funding.  Amendment 4, which was passed by Florida voters this past November, requires approximately $57 million be dedicated to effective prevention and cessation activities. Research has proven these programs work when properly funded; they work in preventing our children from becoming addicted to tobacco and help adults quit.

Revenues from cigarette excise taxes can provide important funding for Florida’s 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 legislators and Florida’s governor asking them to support efforts to reduce the devastating effects of tobacco use in Florida.