National Report: New Jersey Tied for Last in Protecting Kids from Tobacco (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, PR Newswire)
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New Jersey is tied for last nationwide in funding programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit, according to a report released today by a coalition of public health organizations. New Jersey and Connecticut have budgeted zero state funds this year for tobacco prevention and cessation programs. The CDC recommends New Jersey spend $103.3 million on tobacco prevention programs. Smoking is the nation’s number 1 cause of preventable death. Tobacco use claims 11,800 New Jersey lives and costs the state over $4 billion in health care bills annually.
Today’s report, titled “Broken Promises to Our Children: A State-by-State Look at the 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 18 Years Later,” spotlights the need for stronger tobacco prevention efforts in New Jersey. In addition, health advocates in New Jersey are urging lawmakers to increase the minimum sale age for tobacco products to 21. Nearly all adult smokers start smoking before they turn 21, so this legislation will prevent young people from ever starting to smoke. The legislature passed the measure last session, but Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the bill.
Read the full PR Newswire article here.