Tobacco Prevention and the Master Settlement Act:
An Update on Trends in the States
National Conference of State Legislatures Spring
Forum
April 30, 2004
A recent study indicated that increased funding for state tobacco control
programs reduces tobacco use. Nevertheless, many states have used their tobacco
settlement dollars to fill in deficits, rather than to support health
activities. This session explored trends in the use of tobacco settlement funds,
as states consider ways to both balance their budgets and also support tobacco
prevention and control activities. What is the current state budget
situation and its potential impact on the use of settlement funds? What
are the most effective tobacco control strategies in a tight budget
situation? This session presented information and strategies for
policy makers faced with difficult choices.
Two slide shows presented at the Tobacco Prevention and the Master
Settlement Act: An Update on Trends in the States at the NCSL Spring
Forum, April 30, 2004 are available for viewing.
Terry F. Pechacek, M.D. [slide show]
Associate
Director for Science
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office on
Smoking and Health
Arturo Pérez, MPA [slide show]
Program
Principal, Fiscal Affairs Program
National Conference of State
Legislatures
For more information on state-by-state tobacco settlement fund allocations
and expenditures see the United States General Accounting Office report “Tobacco
Settlement: States’ Allocation of Fiscal Year 2003 and Expected Fiscal
Year 2004 Payments” available on the web at www.gao.gov as report number GAO-04-518, dated
March 19, 2004.
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