I thought The Star prided itself on being unbiased, but now I know better. I see the facts, figures and statistics on smoking, but I never see the same things on alcohol. Why is this? Everyone is so worried about the smoking issue but not alcohol abuse. The results of such abuse include higher health-care costs, domestic violence and the devastation to innocent people from drunk driving.
Matthew Tully commented about political issues regarding Mayor Greg Ballard's stand on smoking, but I certainly see more politics concerning alcohol. There is a lot of money involved with alcohol. Advertising is everywhere and the companies sponsor sports, arts and cultural events. What kind of mixed messages are we sending to our youth? Alcohol kills also. Quit blaming so much on tobacco. Let the City-County Council worry about crime for a change.
пятница, 30 октября 2009 г.
среда, 28 октября 2009 г.
Nine held over cigarette haul
Gardaí are continuing to question nine men in connection with a seizure of illegal cigarettes last night.
More than 120 million illegal cigarettes, worth an estimated €50 million, were discovered on a ship in Greenore, Co Louth yesterday, the largest seizure in the history of the State.
The men were arrested following a Revenue Customs Service operation which was supported by the Garda.
The nine men include seven Irish nationals aged between 19 and mid-40s, one Lithuanian in his 50s and one Ukrainian in his 40s.
They are being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Garda stations in Cos Louth and Monaghan.
The cigarettes are thought to have been produced in the Philippines. The vessel was kept under surveillance from when it left the Philippines on September 15th until it docked in Greenore early yesterday morning.
Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan today welcomed the seizure and said smuggling has a serious impact on the State¿s tax revenue. Had these cigarettes not been seized, they could have represented an estimated loss of €40 million of tax revenue to public services,¿ he said. ¿This potential €40 million shortfall equates to the cost of employing over 700 teachers in our education system. Citizens should remember that the purchase of illegal contraband directly affects our public service.A former commander at Scotland Yard today said smugglers may be targeting Ireland because of lenient penalties handed out by courts.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland , John O'Connor said that cigarette smuggling was seen as a less serious crime than smuggling hard drugs, where sentences can be much harsher.
"Ireland has been seen to be a fairly attractive staging post simply because if you look historically at the penalties that have been imposed by Irish courts for people smuggling cigarettes, I think the average is a fine of €500," he said.
"If you look at the profits involved in smuggling drugs, they're probably greater but the consequences of getting caught are much harsher."
He added that there was a certain amount of public apathy towards the issue of tobacco smuggling and called for a coordinated approach to the problem.
"There are a lot of things that can be done in Ireland to tighten up the problem of tobacco smuggling. It's very difficult to get to the source and stop it but It's a global black economy that really needs to be tackled in a coordinated way."
More than 120 million illegal cigarettes, worth an estimated €50 million, were discovered on a ship in Greenore, Co Louth yesterday, the largest seizure in the history of the State.
The men were arrested following a Revenue Customs Service operation which was supported by the Garda.
The nine men include seven Irish nationals aged between 19 and mid-40s, one Lithuanian in his 50s and one Ukrainian in his 40s.
They are being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Garda stations in Cos Louth and Monaghan.
The cigarettes are thought to have been produced in the Philippines. The vessel was kept under surveillance from when it left the Philippines on September 15th until it docked in Greenore early yesterday morning.
Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan today welcomed the seizure and said smuggling has a serious impact on the State¿s tax revenue. Had these cigarettes not been seized, they could have represented an estimated loss of €40 million of tax revenue to public services,¿ he said. ¿This potential €40 million shortfall equates to the cost of employing over 700 teachers in our education system. Citizens should remember that the purchase of illegal contraband directly affects our public service.A former commander at Scotland Yard today said smugglers may be targeting Ireland because of lenient penalties handed out by courts.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland , John O'Connor said that cigarette smuggling was seen as a less serious crime than smuggling hard drugs, where sentences can be much harsher.
"Ireland has been seen to be a fairly attractive staging post simply because if you look historically at the penalties that have been imposed by Irish courts for people smuggling cigarettes, I think the average is a fine of €500," he said.
"If you look at the profits involved in smuggling drugs, they're probably greater but the consequences of getting caught are much harsher."
He added that there was a certain amount of public apathy towards the issue of tobacco smuggling and called for a coordinated approach to the problem.
"There are a lot of things that can be done in Ireland to tighten up the problem of tobacco smuggling. It's very difficult to get to the source and stop it but It's a global black economy that really needs to be tackled in a coordinated way."
понедельник, 26 октября 2009 г.
Author of tax study says trend is up and particular groups are most popular targets
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — A study shows Tennessee's average 9.4 cent tax on every $1 spent is the highest sales tax rate in America.
Opponents of the sales tax say it's most unfair to those least able to pay but others favor the sales tax over a state income tax.
The author of the tax comparison study, Tax Foundation staff economist Kail (Cale) Padgitt, said an increasing number of states are raising so-called "millionaire taxes" on income of the wealthiest taxpayers and so-called "sin taxes" on cigarettes or beer.
Padgitt told the Chattanooga Times Free Press the foundation is "definitely seeing more movement upward than downward in taxes on the state level, and the most popular seem to be to target particular types of tax groups."
Opponents of the sales tax say it's most unfair to those least able to pay but others favor the sales tax over a state income tax.
The author of the tax comparison study, Tax Foundation staff economist Kail (Cale) Padgitt, said an increasing number of states are raising so-called "millionaire taxes" on income of the wealthiest taxpayers and so-called "sin taxes" on cigarettes or beer.
Padgitt told the Chattanooga Times Free Press the foundation is "definitely seeing more movement upward than downward in taxes on the state level, and the most popular seem to be to target particular types of tax groups."
четверг, 22 октября 2009 г.
Students tell tobacco companies to back off
The Red Ribbon program focuses on staying healthy and achieving goals.
The schools use games and other activities to show kids how drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can affect those goals.
Wednesday, the kids at Consolidated Elementary in Vigo County wrote letters to tobacco companies to let them know how they feel about their role in getting kids to smoke.
"They're doing a good job of getting kids addicted. And so we want them to stop targeting kids," student Kelsey Farris said.
"These aren't going to be their customers of the future. Not if we can help it, " school counselor Monica Tener-Smith said.
More Red Ribbon activities are planned for the coming weeks.
The schools use games and other activities to show kids how drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can affect those goals.
Wednesday, the kids at Consolidated Elementary in Vigo County wrote letters to tobacco companies to let them know how they feel about their role in getting kids to smoke.
"They're doing a good job of getting kids addicted. And so we want them to stop targeting kids," student Kelsey Farris said.
"These aren't going to be their customers of the future. Not if we can help it, " school counselor Monica Tener-Smith said.
More Red Ribbon activities are planned for the coming weeks.
понедельник, 19 октября 2009 г.
Anger at tobacco sponsor for festival
A TOBACCO firm is among the sponsors of the Henley International Film Festival.
Imperial Tobacco’s backing of next year’s event brought a strong reaction from town councillors at Tuesday’s meeting of the town and community committee.
Councillor David Nimmo-Smith said: “There’s no way that I am going to subscribe to any tobacco advertising being endorsed by this town council — I want that made clear.”
Councillor Laura Pye agreed, saying that it would be hypocritical to support tobacco sponsorship considering the council’s complaints about cigarette butts littering the town. The committee agreed to write a letter to the event organisers making its concerns clear about tobacco sponsorship on banners during the festival. It said it would insist on removing such banners or posters from council property.
A meeting was held on October 7 to discuss the festival, where it was announced that Stephen Fry would attend the event over two days to give talks on the media.
The festival will take place from May 25 to 29. The film submissions process has been opened, with 80 films to be shortlisted to 40.
Imperial Tobacco’s backing of next year’s event brought a strong reaction from town councillors at Tuesday’s meeting of the town and community committee.
Councillor David Nimmo-Smith said: “There’s no way that I am going to subscribe to any tobacco advertising being endorsed by this town council — I want that made clear.”
Councillor Laura Pye agreed, saying that it would be hypocritical to support tobacco sponsorship considering the council’s complaints about cigarette butts littering the town. The committee agreed to write a letter to the event organisers making its concerns clear about tobacco sponsorship on banners during the festival. It said it would insist on removing such banners or posters from council property.
A meeting was held on October 7 to discuss the festival, where it was announced that Stephen Fry would attend the event over two days to give talks on the media.
The festival will take place from May 25 to 29. The film submissions process has been opened, with 80 films to be shortlisted to 40.
вторник, 13 октября 2009 г.
Will smoking be cool again?
When Smoking Was Cool, an art exhibit opening at Black Maria Gallery on Saturday, takes on “the American propensity for legislating social behavior,” in this case, using ever-rising tobacco taxes as a jumping-off point.
While the exhibit will take note of the movement to define certain social behaviors as taboo, whether it’s smoking, drinking alcohol or easygoing attitudes about sex, its aim will be to examine the hidden motives and powerful interests behind the politics of social legislation.
Sam Saghatelian, curator of the exhibition and a participating artist, says in the press release, “The point is that government and corporate interests often single out targets for the legislation of social behavior because it’s politically and financially expedient to do so, and not necessarily for the wellbeing of the public as they claim.”
Featured artists include Paul Chatem, The Pizz, Shark Toof, Anthony Ausgang, Sarah Stephens, Stacy Lande, Christine Karas-Gough, Shannon Keller, Brett Manning and Harry Sudman
While the exhibit will take note of the movement to define certain social behaviors as taboo, whether it’s smoking, drinking alcohol or easygoing attitudes about sex, its aim will be to examine the hidden motives and powerful interests behind the politics of social legislation.
Sam Saghatelian, curator of the exhibition and a participating artist, says in the press release, “The point is that government and corporate interests often single out targets for the legislation of social behavior because it’s politically and financially expedient to do so, and not necessarily for the wellbeing of the public as they claim.”
Featured artists include Paul Chatem, The Pizz, Shark Toof, Anthony Ausgang, Sarah Stephens, Stacy Lande, Christine Karas-Gough, Shannon Keller, Brett Manning and Harry Sudman
пятница, 9 октября 2009 г.
FDA Says Delaying Tobacco Authority To Harm Public
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday urged a federal judge in Kentucky not to order the agency to delay enforcing new tobacco laws, saying such a move would have "devastating consequences" on public health.
The FDA is facing a challenge to its new tobacco powers, signed into law in June, from tobacco companies including Camel cigarette maker Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) and Commonwealth Brands Inc. The companies say the law imposes unprecedented restrictions on their First Amendment rights and want a federal court in Bowling Green, Ky., to order a preliminary injunction to stop enforcement of certain provisions in the regulations.
A judge for the District Court for the Western District of Kentucky heard from the FDA and the tobacco companies Thursday on the request for an injunction. He could soon decide whether to grant the injunction.
The law restricts tobacco companies from using color in most ads, bars them from saying certain products are less risky than others and stops them from selling tobacco products in combination with other items, such as soda and mouthwash.
"It is crucial to the public health that tobacco products not be marketed as reduced-risk products unless they will, in fact, reduce risks," the FDA said in a brief filed with the court.
The injunction request relates only to the restrictions on marketing tobacco products with other consumer items, and restrictions against advertising that a tobacco product is less risky than other tobacco products. Restrictions on color in ads don't go into effect until June 2010.
The companies want to be able to make claims in ads and on boxes that certain tobacco products contain smaller amounts of harmful ingredients, such as being low in tar, and are, therefore, less risky than other tobacco products.
This issue is important to companies that make smokeless tobacco products. Reynolds, for instance, makes Camel Snus, a type of tobacco that comes in a pouch in flavors like "frost" and "mellow."
In their briefing documents, the companies argue that such information is truthful and should be given to consumers.
The FDA says such information gives consumers the "mistaken belief" that the products are safe to use. The agency will allow companies to make such claims only after they prove the product does reduce a consumers risk for tobacco-related diseases. That appears to be a high hurdle. The agency notes that medical devices and prescription drugs must go through a rigorous review process before they can be sold to treat or reduce the risk of disease.
The companies say they aren't completely against the FDA authority to regulate tobacco, and that they support restrictions in marketing and advertising to children.
While Lorillard Inc. (LO) is a party to the overall lawsuit challenging the advertising restrictions imposed by the law, it isn't a party to the preliminary injunction, according to a company spokesman. The company says it didn't join the request for injunction because it doesn't intend to market tobacco products with claims that they are less risky than other tobacco products.
The FDA is facing a challenge to its new tobacco powers, signed into law in June, from tobacco companies including Camel cigarette maker Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) and Commonwealth Brands Inc. The companies say the law imposes unprecedented restrictions on their First Amendment rights and want a federal court in Bowling Green, Ky., to order a preliminary injunction to stop enforcement of certain provisions in the regulations.
A judge for the District Court for the Western District of Kentucky heard from the FDA and the tobacco companies Thursday on the request for an injunction. He could soon decide whether to grant the injunction.
The law restricts tobacco companies from using color in most ads, bars them from saying certain products are less risky than others and stops them from selling tobacco products in combination with other items, such as soda and mouthwash.
"It is crucial to the public health that tobacco products not be marketed as reduced-risk products unless they will, in fact, reduce risks," the FDA said in a brief filed with the court.
The injunction request relates only to the restrictions on marketing tobacco products with other consumer items, and restrictions against advertising that a tobacco product is less risky than other tobacco products. Restrictions on color in ads don't go into effect until June 2010.
The companies want to be able to make claims in ads and on boxes that certain tobacco products contain smaller amounts of harmful ingredients, such as being low in tar, and are, therefore, less risky than other tobacco products.
This issue is important to companies that make smokeless tobacco products. Reynolds, for instance, makes Camel Snus, a type of tobacco that comes in a pouch in flavors like "frost" and "mellow."
In their briefing documents, the companies argue that such information is truthful and should be given to consumers.
The FDA says such information gives consumers the "mistaken belief" that the products are safe to use. The agency will allow companies to make such claims only after they prove the product does reduce a consumers risk for tobacco-related diseases. That appears to be a high hurdle. The agency notes that medical devices and prescription drugs must go through a rigorous review process before they can be sold to treat or reduce the risk of disease.
The companies say they aren't completely against the FDA authority to regulate tobacco, and that they support restrictions in marketing and advertising to children.
While Lorillard Inc. (LO) is a party to the overall lawsuit challenging the advertising restrictions imposed by the law, it isn't a party to the preliminary injunction, according to a company spokesman. The company says it didn't join the request for injunction because it doesn't intend to market tobacco products with claims that they are less risky than other tobacco products.
среда, 7 октября 2009 г.
Cancer Society smoking cessation trainer course
The Cayman Islands Cancer Society is offering a stop smoking “Train the Facilitator” course, in its continued efforts to help tobacco users break the habit.
The seminar will be taught by Dr. Elbert Glover, the developer of the StartSmart™ Stop Smoking programme at the Governors Square boardroom at 9am on Saturday, 24th October.
According to the Cancer Society’s release, the course is suitable for medical practitioners and those in allied professions as well as other individuals who have an interest in helping persons to quit smoking.
The seminar will cost $50 per person and includes all materials. Participants will be asked to make a commitment to assist the Society in offering the StartSmart™ programme to the public on completion of training.
A maximum of 20 people can take part and pre–registration is required. Interested persons can visit or contact the Society at 114 Maple Road between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, to pay and reserve their space.
The advisory added that research has shown that a combination of behavioural modification and drug therapy intervention results in the most successful quit attempts. The components of the programme include information on developing an individualised assessment plan for each client using a combination of group support sessions and pharmaceutical adjuncts as well as relapse prevention.
While in Cayman, Dr. Glover will also address students in schools and conduct a workshop for medical professionals. The workshop on Friday 23rd October from 6ppm to 9pm at the Hibiscus Conference Room will provide attendees with CME credits. While there is no charge for the workshop, pre–registration is required as refreshments will be served.
In making the announcement of Dr. Glover’s visit, the Society’s Medical Director, Dr. Sook Yin, said: “With the impending introduction of the Tobacco Act, (at the end of October), there has never been a better time for health professionals and others in the community to… help their patients, family, friends and colleagues quit this addictive and often deadly habit.”
The seminar will be taught by Dr. Elbert Glover, the developer of the StartSmart™ Stop Smoking programme at the Governors Square boardroom at 9am on Saturday, 24th October.
According to the Cancer Society’s release, the course is suitable for medical practitioners and those in allied professions as well as other individuals who have an interest in helping persons to quit smoking.
The seminar will cost $50 per person and includes all materials. Participants will be asked to make a commitment to assist the Society in offering the StartSmart™ programme to the public on completion of training.
A maximum of 20 people can take part and pre–registration is required. Interested persons can visit or contact the Society at 114 Maple Road between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, to pay and reserve their space.
The advisory added that research has shown that a combination of behavioural modification and drug therapy intervention results in the most successful quit attempts. The components of the programme include information on developing an individualised assessment plan for each client using a combination of group support sessions and pharmaceutical adjuncts as well as relapse prevention.
While in Cayman, Dr. Glover will also address students in schools and conduct a workshop for medical professionals. The workshop on Friday 23rd October from 6ppm to 9pm at the Hibiscus Conference Room will provide attendees with CME credits. While there is no charge for the workshop, pre–registration is required as refreshments will be served.
In making the announcement of Dr. Glover’s visit, the Society’s Medical Director, Dr. Sook Yin, said: “With the impending introduction of the Tobacco Act, (at the end of October), there has never been a better time for health professionals and others in the community to… help their patients, family, friends and colleagues quit this addictive and often deadly habit.”
понедельник, 5 октября 2009 г.
The Sacramento Bee, Calif., Marcos Breton Column: Marcos Breton: DA Out to Pry Funding From First 5 for Abused Kids' Medical Exams
She has to find the money to pay for justice.
The county has no funds to pay for medical exams of children removed from their homes by Child Protective Services.
In the last fiscal year o in cases involving 829 kids under the age of 6 removed from their homes for reasons other than physical abuse o examinations performed at UC Davis Medical Center found physical abuse 55 percent of the time.
And in cases where kids were removed due to allegations of physical abuse, 20 percent of their siblings also were found to show signs of physical abuse.
God bless the children.
The county's cost for the screenings is about $133,000.
You would think someone could find the money. But it won't happen without another performance of the elaborate funding dance of Sacramento government.
It's so old by now. Haven't we all become numb to predictions of the apocalypse if this or that government program is eliminated?
But Scully, who has been in office since 1994, is nothing if not shrewd. She knows there are millions of dollars sitting around unused in Sacramento while government safety nets dissolve.
Let's repeat: There are millions of untapped dollars while local governments are melting down. A reserve of roughly $70 million is controlled by the First 5 Sacramento Commission.
The commission is made up of local bureaucrats headed by county Supervisor Roger Dickinson. They control the local share of statewide tobacco tax money used to fund education, health, child care and other programs for expectant parents and children up to age 5. This tax was approved by California voters in 1998 when they passed Proposition 10, the brainchild of film director Rob Reiner.
But like other do-gooder taxes, millions in First 5 money accumulates like bills in the bank vaults of celebrities. On Monday, Scully is going to ask First 5 Sacramento to peel off a sliver of its stockpile to fund CPS medical examinations for abused kids.
"The screenings fit right into their mission statement of commitment," Scully said.
Why not? In June, First 5 allocated $5,000 for monthly water play-dates and children's dance at Southside Park. They subsidized a block party, an ice cream social, a park play day and a movie night in east Sacramento for $4,000.
In January, Republican lawmakers took aim at First 5 for funding belly dance classes for pregnant women in San Diego.
Scully has a point: "We haven't asked First 5 to be accountable."
It starts Monday, at a First 5 meeting scheduled for 12:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors chambers.
These meetings are often held in obscurity. It's time to shine a bright light on all that First 5 money and how it's being spent o or not o amid so much need.
The county has no funds to pay for medical exams of children removed from their homes by Child Protective Services.
In the last fiscal year o in cases involving 829 kids under the age of 6 removed from their homes for reasons other than physical abuse o examinations performed at UC Davis Medical Center found physical abuse 55 percent of the time.
And in cases where kids were removed due to allegations of physical abuse, 20 percent of their siblings also were found to show signs of physical abuse.
God bless the children.
The county's cost for the screenings is about $133,000.
You would think someone could find the money. But it won't happen without another performance of the elaborate funding dance of Sacramento government.
It's so old by now. Haven't we all become numb to predictions of the apocalypse if this or that government program is eliminated?
But Scully, who has been in office since 1994, is nothing if not shrewd. She knows there are millions of dollars sitting around unused in Sacramento while government safety nets dissolve.
Let's repeat: There are millions of untapped dollars while local governments are melting down. A reserve of roughly $70 million is controlled by the First 5 Sacramento Commission.
The commission is made up of local bureaucrats headed by county Supervisor Roger Dickinson. They control the local share of statewide tobacco tax money used to fund education, health, child care and other programs for expectant parents and children up to age 5. This tax was approved by California voters in 1998 when they passed Proposition 10, the brainchild of film director Rob Reiner.
But like other do-gooder taxes, millions in First 5 money accumulates like bills in the bank vaults of celebrities. On Monday, Scully is going to ask First 5 Sacramento to peel off a sliver of its stockpile to fund CPS medical examinations for abused kids.
"The screenings fit right into their mission statement of commitment," Scully said.
Why not? In June, First 5 allocated $5,000 for monthly water play-dates and children's dance at Southside Park. They subsidized a block party, an ice cream social, a park play day and a movie night in east Sacramento for $4,000.
In January, Republican lawmakers took aim at First 5 for funding belly dance classes for pregnant women in San Diego.
Scully has a point: "We haven't asked First 5 to be accountable."
It starts Monday, at a First 5 meeting scheduled for 12:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors chambers.
These meetings are often held in obscurity. It's time to shine a bright light on all that First 5 money and how it's being spent o or not o amid so much need.
четверг, 1 октября 2009 г.
State cuts Tobacco Quit Line funding despite tax increases
Starting Thursday, smokers with health insurance who call the state Quit Line for help kicking their habit will get less help, the result of a 55 percent cut in state funding to smoking cessation and anti-smoking programs.
In spite of soaring state cigarette taxes, the Quit Line's funding was slashed by two-thirds - from $3.7 million a year to $1.2 million - as part of the broad cuts implemented in the 2009-11 budget signed by Gov. Jim Doyle to help solve the state's massive deficit. Total funding for anti-tobacco programs was cut from $15.3 million a year to $6.9 million.
The cuts follow a 75-cent increase in the cigarette tax on Sept. 1 that brought the state tax to $2.52 per pack, and also follows a $1-per-pack increase in 2008 - moves made to help solve budget deficits.
Maureen Busalacchi, executive director of SmokeFree Wisconsin, said more resources are needed by smokers motivated to quit by both the tax increase and a state smoking ban on bars and restaurants going into effect on July 5, 2010.
"When people need the resources most, we'll be least able to help them," Busalacchi said.
The Quit Line previously offered four sessions of follow-up calls to state smokers who call seeking to kick the habit, along with two weeks of a free nicotine patch or nicotine gum, at a total cost of $323 for callers who use all those services, said Moira Harrington, spokeswoman for the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, which oversees the Quit Line.
The Quit Line, operated by a company in Seattle, still will offer the same level of service to smokers with no health coverage or with state Medicaid coverage for the poor, she said. But smokers with private health insurance now will receive one follow-up call and the nicotine replacement items, said Harrington, who couldn't rule out additional cuts in services.
"It's not a decision we made lightly," she said. "We've just had to make a hard choice."
Dr. Michael Fiore, director of the center, said research showed more follow-up counseling sessions with smokers was more effective in helping them quit.
State Department of Health Services spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis said smokers with private health insurance still will be able to make repeat calls to the Quit Line. But now the responsibility is on the smokers to call, instead of the counselors making follow-up calls to the smoker.
"This means we will make the best use of limited Quit Line resources and maximize access to smoking cessation services through private insurance," Marquis said
Other cuts to state tobacco control programs included:
• Overall programs to help people quit smoking, including the Quit Line and programs aimed at pregnant mothers, fall from $5 million a year to $1.8 million.
• Training and technical assistance for those working to reduce smoking drop from $1.5 million in 2009 to $505,000 in 2010.
• Anti-tobacco programs aimed at minorities drop from $1.3 million to $752,000 and programs aimed at teens will drop from $928,500 to $390,000.
• Anti-smoking advertising falls from $835,000 to $430,000.
Busalacchi said she supports a bill by Rep. Jeff Smith, D-Eau Claire, that would provide more than $2 million in additional money for anti-tobacco efforts. The bill would do so by rolling back a recent increase in how much of the cigarette tax can be kept by wholesale tobacco sellers to cover the costs of collecting the tax for the state and placing tax stamps on cigarette packages.
A representative of the industry, which opposes the bill, could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
In spite of soaring state cigarette taxes, the Quit Line's funding was slashed by two-thirds - from $3.7 million a year to $1.2 million - as part of the broad cuts implemented in the 2009-11 budget signed by Gov. Jim Doyle to help solve the state's massive deficit. Total funding for anti-tobacco programs was cut from $15.3 million a year to $6.9 million.
The cuts follow a 75-cent increase in the cigarette tax on Sept. 1 that brought the state tax to $2.52 per pack, and also follows a $1-per-pack increase in 2008 - moves made to help solve budget deficits.
Maureen Busalacchi, executive director of SmokeFree Wisconsin, said more resources are needed by smokers motivated to quit by both the tax increase and a state smoking ban on bars and restaurants going into effect on July 5, 2010.
"When people need the resources most, we'll be least able to help them," Busalacchi said.
The Quit Line previously offered four sessions of follow-up calls to state smokers who call seeking to kick the habit, along with two weeks of a free nicotine patch or nicotine gum, at a total cost of $323 for callers who use all those services, said Moira Harrington, spokeswoman for the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, which oversees the Quit Line.
The Quit Line, operated by a company in Seattle, still will offer the same level of service to smokers with no health coverage or with state Medicaid coverage for the poor, she said. But smokers with private health insurance now will receive one follow-up call and the nicotine replacement items, said Harrington, who couldn't rule out additional cuts in services.
"It's not a decision we made lightly," she said. "We've just had to make a hard choice."
Dr. Michael Fiore, director of the center, said research showed more follow-up counseling sessions with smokers was more effective in helping them quit.
State Department of Health Services spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis said smokers with private health insurance still will be able to make repeat calls to the Quit Line. But now the responsibility is on the smokers to call, instead of the counselors making follow-up calls to the smoker.
"This means we will make the best use of limited Quit Line resources and maximize access to smoking cessation services through private insurance," Marquis said
Other cuts to state tobacco control programs included:
• Overall programs to help people quit smoking, including the Quit Line and programs aimed at pregnant mothers, fall from $5 million a year to $1.8 million.
• Training and technical assistance for those working to reduce smoking drop from $1.5 million in 2009 to $505,000 in 2010.
• Anti-tobacco programs aimed at minorities drop from $1.3 million to $752,000 and programs aimed at teens will drop from $928,500 to $390,000.
• Anti-smoking advertising falls from $835,000 to $430,000.
Busalacchi said she supports a bill by Rep. Jeff Smith, D-Eau Claire, that would provide more than $2 million in additional money for anti-tobacco efforts. The bill would do so by rolling back a recent increase in how much of the cigarette tax can be kept by wholesale tobacco sellers to cover the costs of collecting the tax for the state and placing tax stamps on cigarette packages.
A representative of the industry, which opposes the bill, could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
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