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• American Legacy Foundation® Encouraged by Decision to Free-Up $10 Million Tobacco Funds, Continue Life-Saving Programs  

Judge David Fais of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas today signed an order allowing $10 million of the frozen funds previously earmarked for tobacco prevention and cessation services in the state to continue being spent throughout 2008 and 2009.

This order comes as a result of a joint motion filed by the American Legacy Foundation and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) as well as the other state defendants, asking that the funds be freed up to maintain basic tobacco control programs in Ohio. Four million dollars would be spent to satisfy obligations incurred through June 30 and $6 million would be spent for tobacco control in the fiscal year beginning on July 1.

"ODH's decision to seek permission to spend these funds is a step in the right direction, as the agency recognizes the critical need for continued funding of these life-saving services," said Dr. Cheryl Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation. "If we prevail in our legal claims, we will assure that far more funds are spent on life-saving tobacco control programs in Ohio."

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