Ohio Supreme Court hears arguments in Tabacco fund case

Two years after Gov. Ted Strickland and the General Assembly made plans to reallocate most of the money in the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation, the state’s highest courts heard arguments on whether elected officials had the power to do so (Source: “State's tobacco 'raid' debated before Ohio Supreme Court,” Columbus Dispatch, July 7, 2010).

The foundation’s attorney argues that because the fund, which was established in 2000 using part of Ohio’s $10.6 billion share of a settlement between cigarette companies and states, was created with the goal of combating tobacco use, politicians could not use the funds for other purposes.

Lawmakers have earmarked $230 million of the foundation’s $260 million toward expanding Medicaid coverage for low-income children and the state’s attorney argues that the money can be used for any purpose that elected officials chose.

A ruling in the case is expected in several months.