Taking a Punch in the Gut

Wisconsin's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program took a "punch" yesterday to its funding. The state budget committee dramatically changed course by voting to double its cuts to the program. The move was part of a larger omnibus amendment and comes less than two weeks after the committee voted in favor of a modest 10% reduction.

This decision comes with a big price tag. Wisconsin's adult smoking rate is at an all-time low of 20%, with reduced funding this will lead to a higher rate of smokers. Every 1% increase in this smoking rate, results in $641 million in additional long-term health care costs.

Cuts to the program is not what Wisconsin voters want. A poll commissioned earlier this month found an overwhelming 75% of voters support programs aimed at reducing tobacco use (see below post).

Although this "punch" hurts, the fight is NOT over. The budget is still in the early phases of debate and still needs to go through the Senate and Assembly and finally to Gov. Walker's office for signing.

We are in the process of "educating" officials to "re-invest" this money back into the program so that Wisconsinites continue to benefit from the Program now and into the future. It time for our "counter-punch", stay tuned...............