Report: Ohio tobacco settlement spending ‘disappointing’

A new report from Tobacco-Free Kids criticizes Ohio for its failure to use enough state tobacco settlement money to prevent kids from smoking (Source: “Ohio ranks among lowest for tobacco prevention spending,” Dayton Daily News, Nov. 19, 2008).

According to a national report from the Washington, D.C.-based public health organization, Ohio ranks 45th out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in spending on child tobacco prevention programs. The state spends less than 5 percent of the level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Released on the 10th anniversary of the landmark federal tobacco settlement, the report found that Ohio spends $7.1 million a year on anti-tobacco programs, while the CDC recommends $145 million a year. By contrast, the report found that the tobacco industry spends $724 million a year on marketing in Ohio.

"Ohio is one of the most disappointing states this year when it comes to funding programs to protect kids from tobacco," said Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.