Crist Wages War on Tobacco

Source from:  published July 25, 2007 By Jim Ash TALLAHASEE 07/26/2007

Gov. Charlie Crist re-ignited the state's anti-tobacco campaign today, touting a voter mandate to spend $57 million next year on prevention and education programs. But put on the spot by an anti-tobacco advocate, Crist declined to endorse a hike in tobacco taxes to offset a looming $1 billion budget shortfall. "I'm not a fan of raising taxes, as you know," Crist said. Crist posed for the cameras for a ceremonial singing of SB-1126, Statewide Tobacco Education and Prevention. He signed the measure into law two months ago to meet a constitutional deadline. The law implements Amendment 4 that voters approved with a 60.9 percent margin on Nov. 7. It creates a 23-member panel that along with the state Department of Health will oversee the advertising and education program. It also requires the state to spend 15 percent of the revenues it collected in 2005 from a settlement with tobacco companies on programs designed to prevent young people from taking up the crippling habit. Major tobacco companies struck a $13 billion deal with the state in 1995 to avoid being sued for the money the state spends treating sick smokers. Legislative analysts predict the nearly $58 million in spending the amendment requires this year will grow to $61 million in three years. The amendment requires that spending on the program keep up with inflation. The anti-tobacco campaign has been controversial since the settlement was reached, with lawmakers eventually stopping the funding stream that was supposed to go to anti-tobacco campaigns under the terms of the settlement. "The people of Florida made their voices heard and we are pleased to enact their will," Crist said. Enditem