12 November 2003

States spend tobacco money like drunken sailors

[source, source]

Five years after reaching $246 billion in legal settlements against the tobacco industry, most states have failed to keep their promise to spend a significant portion of the money on programs to protect kids from tobacco and help those already addicted to quit, according to a report released today by a coalition of public health organizations. The report also finds that the limited restrictions on tobacco marketing contained in the November 1998 multi-state settlement have failed to curtail the tobacco industry’s ability to aggressively market its products, including in ways that appeal to children.

But, but, government officials are selfless and dedicated to the public good! Surely this must be the result of some VRWC plot!

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