The American Lung Association has released the results of its 14th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report, which tracks progress on key tobacco control policies at the federal and state level, assigning grades based on whether laws are protecting citizens from tobacco-caused death and disease. This year’s report also highlights the fact that one in four kids in the U.S. still use tobacco products, and that urgent action is needed by our elected officials to address the tobacco epidemic.
Pennsylvania’s State Summary:
Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding: F
Smokefree Air: C
Tobacco Taxes: F
Access to Cessation Services: F
The American Lung Association in Pennsylvania calls for the following three actions to be taken by PA elected officials to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke:
- Remove the exemptions from the current Clean Indoor Air Law
- Increase the current cigarette tax by at least $1.00 per pack and create tax equity between cigarettes and tobacco products
- Increase funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs