Tobacco.org

EDITORIAL: State's tobacco programs need improvement 

Each year the American Lung Association, an archenemy of smoking, grades the states and federal government on their tobacco control efforts. There is no doubt South Dakota needs to improve its 2009 grades: Incomplete in smoke-free air, "F" in smoking cessation, "D" for prevention and control spending, and "C" for its cigarette tax. . . .

By comparison, North Dakota is the only state that meets 100 percent of the CDC-recommended levels, which are based on state population. . . .

Minnesota's Medicaid program provides coverage for all seven recommended cessation medications and individual and group counseling. State health plans cover six of the seven medications and phone and online counseling.

Both of our neighbors received a "B."

South Dakota's "C" for its tobacco tax is based on the rate of $1.53 a pack. In 2006, the Legislature passed a bill increasing the tax on cigarettes by $1 a pack and increasing the tax on all other tobacco products on the wholesale level. That, too, went to a public vote, passed and took effect in 2007. The increase boosted the state's rating to the 10th highest in the nation. Since then other states have increased taxes, dropping South Dakota to 21st. Minnesota ranks 20th with a tax of $1.56 per pack, earning a "C"; North Dakota comes in at 45th with a tax of 44 cents per pack, earning it an "F." Per-pack tax ranges from $3.56 in Rhode Island to 7 cents in South Carolina.

It's time to take additional steps to clean up our act - and our air.

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