JOINT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING MAINE'S LEADERSHIP IN TOBACCO CONTROL

WHEREAS,  in 1997 Maine had one of the highest rates of youth smoking in the country; and

WHEREAS,  in 1999 the Legislature created the Fund for a Healthy Maine from Maine's share of the national tobacco settlement and began funding a comprehensive tobacco prevention and treatment program; and

WHEREAS,  Maine's successful effort follows the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by combining community and school programs, youth access laws, powerful media messages, low-barrier treatment options and evaluation components; and

WHEREAS,  Maine has eliminated smoking in virtually every indoor public place and worksite; and

WHEREAS,  Maine's last cigarette price increase in 2005 will save $292,000,000 in health care costs and will help to avoid 6,600 tobacco-related deaths; and

WHEREAS,  Maine's youth smoking rate has dropped 60% since 1997, preventing over 14,000 premature deaths and $400,000,000 in tobacco-related health care costs; and

WHEREAS,  for the second year in a row, Maine has received 4 "A's" on the American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control Report Card and is recognized nationally for its leadership and integrated approach to tobacco control; and

WHEREAS,  in 2006 the United States Surgeon General declared that the scientific evidence that secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death is indisputable; and

WHEREAS,  one in 3 young adults in Maine currently smokes; and

WHEREAS,  tobacco companies now spend $74,000,000 per year promoting their products in Maine, more than double the amount they spent in 1998; and

WHEREAS,  smoking-related health care costs now total over $600,000,000 in Maine; and

WHEREAS,  almost 2,400 Maine citizens die every year from tobacco-related disease, including 200 as a result of secondhand smoke; and

WHEREAS,  for every 3 children who start smoking, one will die early as a result; now, therefore be it

That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Legislature, now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people of the State of Maine, support Maine's nation-leading efforts to reduce tobacco use among children and adults by restricting youth access to tobacco products, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, funding a comprehensive prevention and control program that follows federal guidelines and discouraging demand; and be it further

That We express our gratitude and thanks to the American Lung Association and the American Lung Association of Maine for working with concerned citizens, voluntary health organizations, medical associations, health care providers, advocates, governmental agencies and lawmakers to help Maine take national leadership on this important issue of public health in order to save lives and move towards a healthier future; and be it further

That suitable copies of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to the American Lung Association and the American Lung Association of Maine.