State of Tobacco Control Report 2007

Each year the American Lung Association issues a "report card" grading tobacco control laws in each state. This year Wisconsin will receive a mixed bag of grades from "B" to "F." Wisconsin's cigarette tax earns the highest grade, a "B" for its $1.00 increase from 77 cents to $1.77. But smoke free air and funding for statewide tobacco control and prevention programs still receive a failing grade, despite the latter's increase from $10 million to $15 million per year in the recent state budget. The youth access grade continues to be average ("C"), because Wisconsin law prohibits local communities from enacting ordinances that are stronger than state statutes.

Tell me more

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

There's good news and bad news.

The good news is that Wisconsin's grades are improving in the annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control Report.

The bad news is we're still failing in too many areas.

This year's grade for cigarette tax earned us a first ever "B", due to the recent increase from 77 cents to $1.77.

But we're still getting failing grades in prevention funding, despite an increase in the budget for that program, as well as in smoke free air.

Wisconsin's smoke free workplace legislation, SB150, recently passed out of committee and is ready for a full vote by the Senate.  But will leadership let that happen?  Will the Wisconsin Tavern League win this battle and be allowed to expose employees and customers to toxic levels of secondhand smoke, all in the name of profit?

Please urge Senator Decker to bring the bill up for a vote.  It has broad bi-partisan support and is overwhelmingly backed by the public.

Minnesota and Illinois are smoke free.  Iowa and Michigan also have bills working their way through their legislatures.

Smoke free air is good for health, good for business, good for Wisconsin's image.

Please pass SB150 this session!

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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