State of Tobacco Control 2006 -- Regional Analysis

American Lung Association--Improving Life, One Breath at a Time

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Regional Analysis

The American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2006 report found:

Region 1: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut

All New England states, with the exception of New Hampshire, have comprehensive smokefree air laws that prohibit smoking in almost all public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Rhode Island leads the region with the highest cigarette tax at $2.46 per pack, and Maine continues to lead the region in funding for tobacco prevention programs.

Region 1 average cigarette tax: $1.68.

Vermont increased its cigarette tax from $0.60 to $1.79 per pack; the tax will increase again by another $0.20 in 2008.

Maine continues to be one of the few states to fully fund its tobacco prevention and control program above the minimum level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

New Hampshire and Massachusetts passed legislation requiring cigarettes to self-extinguish when not being smoked, reducing the risk of cigarette-caused fires.

Massachusetts launched a two-year pilot program to cover smoking and tobacco use cessation treatment under the Massachusetts state Medicaid program. Rhode Island now requires all private health insurers in the state to cover smoking cessation, including over-the-counter and prescription medication, and eight 30-minute counseling sessions.

Region 2: New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico

New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico have taken the lead with the strongest smokefree air laws of any region in the country. The average cigarette tax in this region is the highest in the country at $1.77 per pack. New Jersey increased its cigarette tax in 2006 and has the highest state cigarette tax in the region at $2.575 per pack although New York City has the highest combined state and city tax at $3.00 per pack. New York dramatically increased its funding for tobacco prevention programs taking the lead in the region.

Region 2 average cigarette tax: $1.77

New Jersey increased its state cigarette tax by $0.175 to $2.575 per pack, making it the highest in the country.

New Jersey and Puerto Rico passed legislation prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Puerto Rico’s law also includes a provision prohibiting smoking in cars while children are present.

New York substantially increased its tobacco prevention program spending for FY 2007 to over $87.5 million from about $45.5 million the previous fiscal year. This brings New York significantly closer to $95.8 million, the minimum level recommended by the CDC.

Region 3: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia and Virginia

The District of Columbia joins Delaware in protecting workers from second-hand smoke by approving legislation prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Pennsylvania continues to lead the region with a $1.35-per-pack cigarette tax, and Delaware remains the region’s leader in tobacco prevention funding.

Region 3 average cigarette tax: $0.79

The District of Columbia passed legislation prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

Delaware, for the fourth consecutive year, funded its tobacco prevention program above the minimum level recommended by the CDC.

Maryland doubled its funding for tobacco prevention programs to about $20 million in FY2007.
Virginia’s governor signed an executive order prohibiting smoking in most state government buildings owned or occupied by the executive branch.

Regional Analysis continued...

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