Tobacco fund fight heading to Ohio Supreme Court

The fight over whether the state can spend its $258 million tobacco settlement funds for other state programs is heading to the Ohio Supreme Court (Source: “$258M from tobacco settlement for Ohio held pending court,” Toledo Blade, Jan. 7, 2010).

Washington-based anti-smoking organization American Legacy Foundation is seeking to appeal last week’s court ruling that the state was free to use the money for other purposes.

The money was set aside nearly 10 years ago for smoking treatment and cessation programs. The state is planning to use it instead to fund county adult and child protective services, optional Medicaid programs such as adult dental care, and expanded health-care coverage for children.