Tobacco Money and the States
In 1998 a settlement was reached in the lawsuit brought by several states against the major tobacco companies for reimbursement of health care costs that those states had incurred in treating tobacco related diseases, including lung cancer. The tobacco companies agreed to pay out over $220 billion to the states over the next 25 years. No restrictions were put on how these states could spend that money, rather it was left to each state legislature and governor to determine priorities. Unfortunately, little if any money has been allocated lung cancer research and early detection. To read the entire story of these funds and to see your state is spending its share, click here.
Add your voice! Insist that a portion of state tobacco settlement money be spent for lung cancer-related programs.
We've provided background information, websites and a sample letter to help you craft your own messages.
Legislators on state finance/budget/appropriations and health committees are the key decision-makers in allocating settlement dollars over the next 25 years.
Contact your state legislators directly and in particular let your home district representative know your concerns. Tell them if you're a lung cancer survivor, family member, or friend.
Let's flood their offices with letters, emails, and phone calls! Please send a copy of your letter(s) to us at info@lungcanceralliance.org.
Send a copy of your letter to members of your U.S. Congressional delegation, too. They need to know that research dollars must be greatly increased for lung cancer screening and effective treatments.
We encourage your activism!
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