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The annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2006 report has been released.  This report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas – smokefree air, tobacco program funding, cigarette excise tax and youth access to tobacco.  New York has improved its grades from last year and received the second best grade in the nation.  New York State has been recognized for drastically increasing funding for its statewide tobacco control program.  In the past year, New York has improved from an “F” to an “A”.  New York continued to receive “A’s” for smokefree air and youth access to tobacco. 

This report provides strong support for raising the cigarette tax from $1.50 to $3.00 outside of New York City, where the tax is already at $3.00.  Achieving a uniform $3.00 tax across New York State will not only discourage more and more youth and adults from smoking, but can also be used to help fund the strong tobacco control programs in our state.  Additionally, New York State should allow localities like New York City to raise their own excise taxes.  A reduction in tobacco use saves thousands of lives and produces enormous declines in state health care costs and other tobacco-related expenditures. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended a blueprint to save lives that includes a comprehensive approach in Community, Chronic Disease and School Programs, Counter Marketing and Cessation services.  It is critical that New York continue its investments in revenue from tobacco taxes and tobacco settlement dollars to prevent our children from becoming addicted to tobacco and help adult smokers kick the habit. 

Please take a moment to send the attached letter to Governor Spitzer and your State Legislators, for a call to action on raising the statewide cigarette tax and continuing to invest heavily in tobacco control programs.