The budget proposed by Governor Manchin and currently under consideration by the West Virginia Legislature would reduce tobacco prevention and education funding by $656,318 or a whopping 11.5%!
A cut of this magnitude can only result in a reduction of tobacco prevention programming in the state. While these are indeed tough budget times, it makes no sense to cut a program that is saving lives and healthcare dollars. Currently West Virginians pay $690 million annually in health care costs directly caused by smoking. That is a severe burden on the state’s economy, which will only get worse if the state cuts funding for programs proven to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit.
Even before this latest proposal, West Virginia was falling short in funding tobacco prevention and cessation programs. West Virginia this year is spending $6.9 million on these programs – $5.7 million in state funds and a $1.2 million federal grant. This total is less than a quarter of the $27.8 million recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Governor Manchin has proposed cutting funding by $656,318.
These resources are critical to reducing tobacco’s devastating toll in West Virginia. West Virginia currently has the highest adult smoking rate in the nation at 26.6 percent. In addition, 27.6 percent of high school students smoke, and 2,400 more kids become regular smokers every year. Each year, tobacco use claims 3,800 lives in West Virginia.
This cut is currently under consideration of the House and Senate Finance Committees and they need to hear from tobacco control advocates loud and clear that these cuts are short-sighted and will only serve to weaken West Virginia’s already insufficient tobacco prevention efforts.
Contact your members on the House Finance Committee and Senate Finance Committee right away and urge them to OPPOSE any budget cut to tobacco prevention and education programs.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Does anyone listen to whats going on in WV. The rate for illnesses from tobacco smoke (second also) in this state are outragious. When will you wake up. Tobacco products and second hand smoke is taking its tole on our people in this state. Cutting funding will only make it worse, who’s protecting the people working in restaurants and bars that can’t find a smoke free establishment. Protect our workers now and keep the funding where it is.