The budget proposed by Governor Manchin and currently under consideration by the West Virginia Legislature would reduce tobacco prevention and education funding by $656,318 or a whopping 11.5%!
A cut of this magnitude can only result in a reduction of tobacco prevention programming in the state. While these are indeed tough budget times, it makes no sense to cut a program that is saving lives and healthcare dollars. Currently West Virginians pay $690 million annually in health care costs directly caused by smoking. That is a severe burden on the state’s economy, which will only get worse if the state cuts funding for programs proven to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit. On January 19th, youth tobacco control advocates gathered at the Capitol to urge legislators to make tobacco prevention and cessation programs a priority. YOU can make your voice heard as well!
Even before this latest proposal, West Virginia was falling short in funding tobacco prevention and cessation programs. West Virginia this year is spending $6.9 million on these programs – $5.7 million in state funds and a $1.2 million federal grant. This total is less than a quarter of the $27.8 million recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Governor Manchin has proposed cutting funding by $656,318.
These resources are critical to reducing tobacco’s devastating toll in West Virginia. West Virginia currently has the highest adult smoking rate in the nation at 26.6 percent. In addition, 27.6 percent of high school students smoke, and 2,400 more kids become regular smokers every year. Each year, tobacco use claims 3,800 lives in West Virginia.
Tobacco programming was not the only area of cuts the Governor is suggesting in the Division of Health. Also proposed is a 35% cut to the CARDIAC Program and the elimination of all state funding for the diabetes program, osteoporosis and arthritis prevention and end of life care.
The legislature currently is currently considering the FY2011 budget Governor Manchin has proposed.
Even before this latest proposal, West Virginia was falling short in funding tobacco prevention and cessation programs. West Virginia this year is spending $6.9 million on these programs – $5.7 million in state funds and a $1.2 million federal grant. This total is less than a quarter of the $27.8 million recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Governor Manchin has proposed cutting funding by $656,318.
These resources are critical to reducing tobacco’s devastating toll in West Virginia. West Virginia currently has the highest adult smoking rate in the nation at 26.6 percent. In addition, 27.6 percent of high school students smoke, and 2,400 more kids become regular smokers every year. Each year, tobacco use claims 3,800 lives in West Virginia.
Tobacco programming was not the only area of cuts the Governor is suggesting in the Division of Health. Also proposed is a 35% cut to the CARDIAC Program and the elimination of all state funding for the diabetes program, osteoporosis and arthritis prevention and end of life care.
The legislature currently is currently considering the FY2011 budget Governor Manchin has proposed.
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