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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.  Montana scored grades of  "B" in smokefree air, in tobacco prevention and control spending, and cigarette excise tax.  We also received a failing grade of "F" in youth access to tobacco.

This report should be a wake-up call to Montana’s legislature about the status of tobacco control in.  Montana’s smokefree law is important in protecting workers, patrons and children from deadly tobacco smoke. It will soon (October 1, 2009) become one of the strongest in the U.S.  Lawmakers need to protect our smokefree law and oppose any efforts that keep bar and casino workers and their patrons at risk. No one in Montana should have to breathe toxic fumes when visiting or working in a public establishment, including bars and casinos.

The funding for tobacco control needs to move above the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) minimum funding level of $9.36 M as Big Tobacco spends more than four times that amount each to hook our kids on their deadly product.

Additionally, we will be supporting new legislation to improve Montana’s laws that keep tobacco products out of the hands of our children.

Please take a moment to send the attached letter to your legislators in support of Montana’s Clean Indoor Air Act, increasing tobacco control spending, and new laws to protect our children from access to tobacco products.