Federal Foundation Assistance Monitor

(STATES) Ohio Can't Use of $230M in Tobacco Settlement Funds

A state judge rules that Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) can't raid a $230 million smoking cessation fund and use it to promote the state's economic development.

Judge David Fais, of the Franklin County, Ohio, Court of Common Pleas, issued a permanent injunction on the diversion of funds, created by the 1998 state tobacco settlement against the cigarette companies. Ohio leaders promised to use a portion of the approximately $300 million in settlement funds the state receives each year for programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit. In 2000, they created the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation (OTPF) to receive this portion of the annual settlement funds and establish a permanent endowment to run tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

However, last year, Strickland and the state legislature sought to raid the OTPF's remaining funds to help pay for an economic development plan.

"It is critical that Ohio continue to invest in programs to prevent children from starting to smoke and help smokers quit," said Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in Ohio. We urge Gov. Strickland not to appeal this ruling and to support the use of these funds for tobacco prevention and cessation."

Info: Click here or www.tobaccofreekids.org

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