As a family physician dedicated to helping people quit tobacco, I am deeply concerned about the 35% cut to state tobacco programs in the current Washington Senate budget bill. Last year, the state tobacco program was cut 43%, far deeper than most other programs. This year’s original proposal for a $1.00/pack tax increase devoted 20% of the tax revenue to the State Tobacco Prevention and Control fund. However, that provision was removed.  Amazingly, our state Senate bill goes much further downhill by including a 37% cut in tobacco program funding.

Sure, a tax hike will keep some kids from starting to smoke, and cause some adults to quit. But most won’t be able to quit unassisted, even though they want to. It is unethical and immoral to increase the tax on addicted tobacco users with one hand, while with the other hand further dramatically decreasing already-depleted Tobacco Prevention and Control services. The House bill does not cut tobacco program funding. As the bills are reconciled, the House version should be incorporated. If not, it looks suspiciously like our state government is cutting effective services to decrease tobacco use because continuing to fund these services would cut tax revenue.

With only two days left in the state legislative session, you have the chance to help if you act now. Help us let the legislature know that the House plan needs to be incorporated into the final bill presented to the Governor.

Click here to send a message to your legislators.