Letters of Support

Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants

January 15, 1997

Citizens to Protect Kids from Tobacco
1057 W Fireweed Lane, Suite 204
Anchorage, AK 99503

The Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants supports SB 234/HB 442 which raises the tobacco tax in Alaska. Experience in California, Hong Kong, Britain, New Zealand and Canada reflect reduced smoking rates when higher cigarette taxes are imposed.

Alaska has the sixth highest rate of smoking in the U.S., the sixth highest rate of smoking related deaths in the U.S., and the 28th lowest state tobacco excise tax. By increasing cigarette taxes will reduce consumption, especially by the price sensitive group, the teenagers. We also know that 84% of Alaskan adult smokers started smoking between the ages of 10 and 20.

The direct health care costs of smoking related diseases on the Alaskan economy were estimated to be $45.6 million dollars in 1991. Each Alaskan underwrites these costs whether or not they are smokers. By increasing the tobacco tax, we can deter smoking especially in teens, decrease the overall costs of smoking to all Alaskans, and generate income to be used toward public education on the hazards of smoking.

The Academy supports the tobacco tax and would urge you to consider supporting these bills.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Jeanne M. Clark, PA-C
Past President
Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants

Municipality of Anchorage
Municipal Health and Human Services Commission

825 "L" Street, PO Box 196650, Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6650
Phone: (907) 343-6718

February 21, 1997

The Honorable Con Bunde
Alaska House of Representatives
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801

Dear Representative Bunde:

Over the past four months, the Anchorage Health and Human Services Commission carefully considered the relationship between use of tobacco products and the health of Alaskans. The Commission also considered alternative policies to improve health. The Commission concluded that the single most important step that can be taken to improve public health is to substantially increase the tax on tobacco.

The membership of the Anchorage Health and Human Services Commission represents a broad spectrum of the Anchorage community. Most members are not associated with health provider organizations. As chair of the Commission, I was sensitive to the fact that some members of the Commission have a strong aversion to increasing taxes. We therefore took the time to consider alternatives and to consider the relationship of youth smoking and price of tobacco products. Our final vote on the attached resolution was unanimous. I took this to mean that all members were convinced by the evidence that a one dollar increase per pack is warranted. The Commission urges you to support the one dollar increase.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Jack Kruse
Chair, Anchorage Health and Human Services Commission

Municipality of Anchorage
Municipal Health and Human Services Commission

825 "L" Street, PO Box 196650, Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6650
Phone: (907) 343-6718

Tobacco Resolution
1/97

The Health and Human Services Commission for the Municipality of Anchorage endorses:

1. One dollar per pack increase in the State tax on cigarettes; with a comparable increase in taxes on other tobacco products;
2. Limiting access of youth to tobacco from all sources to comply with existing law; and
3. The identification and implementation of additional strategies shown to be effective in the reduction of smoking by youth.

The following are some of the considerations in favor of these measures:

1. Tobacco related illness kills over 400,000 Americans annually and Alaska has the sixth highest tobacco related death rate in the United States.
2. Tobacco related illness kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, homicide, AIDS, heroin and cocaine combined.
3. 84% of Alaskan smokers started as a youth and 1 in 3 die prematurely because of smoking.
4. The Center for Disease Control predicts that 18,000 Alaskans currently under the age of 18 will die prematurely from tobacco use unless effective action is taken to end the epidemic. Further, a one dollar per pack tax increase will save over 5,700 of those lives.

The commission is prepared to advise the Mayor, advise the Assembly, and undertake proactive advocacy in order to implement these strategies.

American Cancer Society, Alaska Division, Inc.

1057 West Fireweed Lane, Suite 204, Anchorage, AK 99503
voice: (907) 277-8696, (800) 478-9355, fax: (907) 263-2073

March 13, 1996

Representative Con Bunde
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182

Dear Representative Bunde;

The American Cancer Society, Alaska Division and our counterparts across the country and around the world have placed tobacco use prevention as a primary strategy for reducing the incidence of cancer. Significantly increasing the tobacco excise tax tops our list of tobacco use prevention strategies. Our strong support of tobacco taxation is not a decision arrived upon in haste. It is a position based upon years of economic and health research, as well as proven examples of efficacy. Please review the following examples.

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that a 10% increase in the price of cigarettes will bring about a 4% - 6% drop in consumption. (1)
• The U.S. General Accounting Office further asserts that for children and low income populations, this effect would be more dramatic: a 10% increase in price will result in a 7.6% - 12% drop in consumption. (2)
• Since California raised its cigarette tax by $.25 per pack and increased preventative health education efforts, the smoking rate has dropped 23.6%, more than twice the national average. (3)
• Studies for the Massachusetts Department of Health show that a 1993 cigarette tax increase of $.25 per pack has brought about a 13% drop in consumption in the first twenty months, more than four times the national average. (4)
• A report to the Canadian Minister of Finance states that from 1979 to 1991 the percentage of regular smokers among 15 -19 years of age in Canada dropped from 46% to 16% in response to tax increases totaling $2.50 per pack (U.S. dollars). (5)
• A rollback of Canadian cigarette taxes in 1994 has already resulted in a single year expansion of the total tobacco market in Canada by 10%, a dramatic increase in teen smoking rates, and an estimated 40,000 more lives will be lost as a result. (8)
• A recent report presented to Congress by University of Illinois economist Dr. Frank Chalaupka explains that new smokers, particularly youth, are likely to curb consumption in the face of rising taxes. He states, "Tax increases, by significantly reducing smoke in younger populations, would lead to substantial long-run improvements in health." (9)

Alaska is poised to realize similar health gains in the next generation. On behalf of our 4,000 volunteers statewide, we urge you to support a $1.00 increase in the state excise tax on tobacco. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you require further information on this crucial public health measure.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Eva Loken
Board Chair

1. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Smoking and Health in the Americas. DHHS Pub. No. (CDC) 92-8419, p. 129
2. U.S. General Accounting Office, Teenage Smoking, GAO/HRD89-119, p. 20
3. Bourn, David, et all. "The Effect of Raising State and Federal Tobacco Taxes." The Journal of Family Practice. Mar 1994, 38(31), p. 301.
4. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Report to the Department of Apt Associates, 1994.
5. Physicians for a Smoke Free Canada, et. all. Canada's Tobacco Tax Policy: Successes and Challenges. A Submission to the Honorable Donald Mazankowski, Minister of Finance. December 1992, p. 4.
6. Stephens, T. "Workshop Report: Trends in the Prevalence of Smoking, 1991-1994." Chronic Diseases in Canada. 16(1), Winter 1995, pp. 27-32.
7. Ontario Tobacco Research Unit. Monitoring Ontario's Tobacco Strategy, Progress Towards Our Goals. October, 1995.
8. Fischer, Doug. "Tax Cuts That Kill." The (Montreal) Gazette. February 1, 1995, p. A1.
9. Meyers, Mike. "These Economic Experts Advocate HIGHER Taxes." The Minneapolis Star Tribune. January 7, 1995, pp. 1A, 6A.

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

3615 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC, 20016-3007
voice: (202) 966-7300 fax: (202) 966-2891 http://www.aacap.org

February 20, 1996

Dear Alaska Legislators:

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) strongly supports the tobacco tax bills, HB 1 and SB 13, currently being debated in your legislature. As child and adolescent psychiatrists, we are familiar with addiction to tobacco products by young adults. Every day, 3,000 kids become addicted to tobacco products. Smoking rates in teenagers have increased by ten percent in the last five years. From 1995-1996, the smoking rates among teenagers rose 30%. Children who begin to smoke in their early years are more likely to experiment with other illegal substances such as alcohol and marijuana later in their adolescent years.

The AACAP is a national, professional association representing over 6,300 child and adolescent psychiatrists. Our members are physicians who have completed a general psychiatry residency and a two-year residency training program in child and adolescent psychiatry. As a medical discipline we are concerned with the public's health and with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of developmental and psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and their families.

Increasing the cost of cigarettes by adding state taxes is an effective means of preventing children and adolescents from trying and buying tobacco products. We urge you to support legislation that will reduce the use of tobacco products by children and adolescents.

Thank you for your consideration of children and adolescents. If the AACAP can help you in any way, please contact Mary Crosby, the Academy's Director of Government Affairs at (202) 966-7300. The AACAP looks forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Lawrence A. Stone, M.D.
President

enclosure: fact sheet

cc: AACAP Alaska Members

Tobacco and Kids
Compliments of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

• Nine out of ten regular smokers began using tobacco products before the age of 18. The average teen smoker begins at age 13 and becomes a daily smoker by age 14.5.
• About two-thirds of teen smokers say they want to quit smoking and 70percent say that if they could choose again they would never have started smoking.
• Tobacco products will eventually kill almost one-third of the kids who use them. Every day, 3,000 kids become addicted to tobacco products. Almost 1,000 of these children will die prematurely from tobacco-related disease or death.
• Between 1995 and 1996, cigarette smoking jumped, especially in the lower grades, increasing to 20 percent among eighth graders, 30 percent among 10th graders, and 34 percent among high-school seniors. In contrast, 25 percent of U.S. adults now smoke.
• Between 1995 and 1996, the percentage of students reporting any cigarette smoking in the previous 30 days increased by about 10 percent among eighth and tenth graders.
• Smoking rates have increased for five consecutive years, and the proportion of students using tobacco has increased about 50 percent overall. Between 1991 and 1996, the percentage of eight-graders who smoke rose from 14 percent to 20 percent, while the percentage of 10th graders who smoke jumped from 21 percent to 30 percent. Twelfth-graders did not increase their tobacco use to the same extent, but their use still jumped by one-fifth overall since 1991.
• Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. More people die from tobacco-related deaths than from AIDS, alcohol, drugs, fires, homicide, motor vehicles and suicide COMBINED.
• Many children do smoke in response to peer pressure; they want to fit in and look "cool." But "peer pressure" is affected by the industry's $6 billion in advertising and marketing campaign which makes smoking look sexy, fun, and cool.
• The government at all levels must help parents work against the $6 billion bombardment of advertising.

Sources: Monitoring the Future Study, University of Michigan, 1996, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Chicago, IL 1996

National Federation of Independent Business
217 Second Street, Suite 206, Juneau, AK 99801
phone: (907) 463-5118 fax: (907) 463-5128

NFIB/Alaska 1997 Ballot Results

The Alaska Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business is comprised of 4,400 small and independent business owners. The typical NFIB/Alaska member employs five workers and rings up gross sales of about $181,000 per year. In total, the organization's members employ more than 43,000 workers.

The legislative agenda of NFIB is determined by ballot. A majority vote of the members in response to the poll sets the policy and position on legislative issues. Ballots for the last 5 years are used to establish the full legislative agenda. Following are the ballot results for 1997.

Environmental Self-Audit

1. Should the Alaska Legislature adopt a procedure to allow a business to conduct a private self-audit of its compliance with environmental law and take corrective actions to address problems without fines or penalties?

• Yes - 79.8%
• No - 10.1%
• Undecided - 10.1%

Privatization

2. Should state legislation be passed to allow the construction of a new private prison through a lease-purchase program?

• Yes - 78.3%
• No - 12.6%
• Undecided - 9.1%

Balancing the Budget

3. NFIB already has a position to reduce state spending, but do you feel further spending cuts are warranted?

• Yes - 81.5%
• No - 10.0%
• Undecided - 8.5%

4. Should some of the Permanent Fund profits be utilized to help close the fiscal gap?

• Yes - 16.2%
• No - 77.8%
• Undecided - 6.0%

5. Should a state personal income tax be reinstated?

• Yes - 15.8%
• No - 76.7%
• Undecided - 7.5%

6. If one or the other must be used to balance the budget, which would you prefer to be used first?

• 48.3% Permanent fund
• 51.7% State personal income tax

7. Should a combination of Permanent Fund profits and personal income taxes be used?

• Yes - 18.6%
• No - 72.9%
• Undecided - 8.5%

8. Would you prefer a state sales tax over a state personal income tax?

• Yes - 51.8%
• No - 39.8%
• Undecided - 8.4%

9. Would you support an increase in the following consumption taxes?

1. Gasoline and diesel fuel tax

• Yes - 20.8%
• No - 72.8%
• Undecided - 6.4%

2. Tobacco tax

• Yes - 62.75%
• No - 35.8%
• Undecided - 1.5%

3. Alcoholic beverage tax

• Yes - 61.2%
• No - 37.8%
• Undecided - 1.0%

American Cancer Society's Tobacco Tax Policy Project
316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 546-4001, ext. 112

Gains from Alaska's $1.00 cigarette tax increase not compromised by unauthorized sales.

When a state moves to increase tobacco taxes, the tobacco industry immediately raises the specter of organized illegal cigarette trafficking. Why is the tobacco industry nervous? Because record shows state tax increases reduce smoking AND raise new revenue.

Numerous geographic, economic and political factors dictate that Alaska's cigarette tax increase will not substantially increase illegal sales. There are four forms of illegal cigarette trafficking; interstate smuggling, international smuggling, bootlegging from (tax exempt) Indian reservations, and illegal sales from (tax-exempt) military bases. None of these possibilities threatens the projected revenue and health gains from Alaska's proposed tax increase.

1. Interstate smuggling from Washington is too costly. Washington has the highest state cigarette tax in the U.S. (81.5 cents/pack) and a state sales tax that adds 15 cents to the price of each pack. A $1.00 Alaska tax increase will allow virtually no profit margin for smugglers. In addition, the cost of shipping from Seattle to Alaska and the substantial time and capital required offer no realistic possibility of interstate smuggling.
   
2. International smuggling from Canada also makes no economic sense. According to a Peat Marwick report prepared for the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retail Association (and backed by the tobacco industry), "Although Alaska has a long border with Canada, two of its major cities (Anchorage and Fairbanks) are not in close proximity to it. Moreover, cigarette taxes in the two bordering jurisdictions (Yukon Territory and British Columbia) would remain higher than in Alaska, even with the proposed tax change." For example, the tax in the province of British Columbia is $2.59 (US). Consequently, there would be no incentive for international smuggling.
   
3. Boot-legging from Indian reservations poses virtually no threat. According to the industry's own consultant, "There is only one Indian reservation in Alaska (tribal land on Annette Island) where state and federal taxes are not levied. However, this jurisdiction is relatively small and isolated and would not be a major source of cigarettes." (Emphasis added.)
   
4. Limited trafficking from military bases can be controlled by the Department of Defense. Tobacco sales on military bases can be controlled by the DoD in Alaska. Entry to commissaries is restricted to authorized patrons. Furthermore, DoD policy limits the purchase of tax free cigarette to no more than four cartons. If problems ensue, this can be further restricted. After Hawaii's state cigarette tax increase, DoD imposed a one carton limit on tax-exempt sales to avoid unauthorized re-sales.
   
   The tobacco industry, its allies and front groups claim that our servicemen and women are lawbreakers. The report they back alleges: "Although sales to nonfamily civilians are illegal, military personnel might sell bootleg cigarettes to civilians off-base. Indeed, bootlegging appears to be widespread in Alaska and elsewhere." To suggest that US military personnel and their family will violate the law and reap profits at the expense of Alaska's state government slanders the honest, committed and hardworking members of our Armed Forces and is truly repugnant to everything they work for.

The tobacco industry used the same arguments to oppose Alaska's last tax increase.

Alaska's FY 1990 cigarette tax increase, which raised the tax from 16 to 29 cents/pack, did not result in a sharp decline in revenue. To the contrary, while cigarette smoking declined modestly, revenues doubled and have since held steady. The industry's claims of major illegal cigarette trafficking killing revenue gains were proven unfounded.

The tobacco industry also used these arguments to fight tax increases in other states.

When California raised its cigarette tax from 10 cents to 35 cents, revenue jumped over 200% from 252 million (FY88) t $778 million (FY90) despite the industry's gloomy predictions. Over the same two-year period, cigarette consumption per person dropped 13.6 percent.

Since 1992, when the Massachusetts cigarette tax was raised from 26 to 51 cents, state cigarette tax revenue increased by 67 percent, from $142 million (FY92) to $238 million (FY94). During the same period, smoking fell by 18 percent.

The Health Effects of Cigar Smoking, Pipe Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Use
Prepared by Catherine Schumacher, MD, MSPH and Michael G. Landen, MD, MPH
Section of Epidemiology
Alaska Division of Public Health

The health effects of cigar smoking, pipe smoking and smokeless tobacco are discussed less frequently than the effects of cigarette smoking, mainly because many more people smoke cigarettes. Nonetheless, the detrimental health effects of cigars, pipe smoking and smokeless tobacco are well established. Cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco are nicotine delivery systems that lead to addiction. Furthermore, all deliver known carcinogens.

Cigars

• Cigar and cigarette smokers have a similarly increased risk of laryngeal and oral cancers;
• The risks of lung cancer and of chronic obstructive lung disease are also elevated among cigar smokers, but not to the extent as in cigarette smokers.
• Cigars deliver nicotine that can be absorbed through the lining of the mouth and pharynx, whereas cigarettes need to be inhaled to absorb nicotine.
• Cigar smokers vary in their smoking habits with regard to inhaling and with regard to smoking other products. Additionally, cigars vary in their nicotine and tar amounts. Therefore, the health effects vary depending on smoking behaviors and type of cigar.
• Nonetheless, the health risks, in particular oral and laryngeal cancers, remain significant regardless of inhaling.

Pipes

• Pipe smoking has declined from 14.1% of men in 1965 to 2.0% of men in 1991;
• Pipe smokers have increased risks of chronic obstructive lung disease, oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, and lung cancer;
• Risks are somewhat lower than those for cigarette smoking, ranging from 50-250% greater than those for non-smokers;
• An estimated 1,095 deaths were attributable to pipe smoking in the US n 1991; the relatively low number of deaths as compared to cigarette deaths (over 400,000) is not because pipe smoking is safe, but because so few people smoke only pipes.

Smokeless Tobacco

• Smokeless tobacco, especially moist snuff, contains high levels of potent carcinogens, including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, radiation emitting polonium and a variety of nitrosomines;
• Smokeless tobacco is strongly associated with oral cancers;
• Smokeless tobacco is also associated with other cancers;
• About 1/3 of regular users develop leukoplakia, a white wrinkled patch on the gums and inside of the mouth, which is a premalignant condition;
• Smokeless tobacco also causes other conditions affecting the mouth and gums;
• Smokeless tobacco causes elevations in blood pressure and may be related to coronary heart disease;
• In Alaska rural communities, smokeless tobacco is not uncommon among five-year-olds (17% of girls and 10% of boys); nationally, the average age to start smokeless tobacco use is 12 years.

Summary

• Pipes, cigars and smokeless tobacco do not represent safe alternatives to cigarettes;
• Increasing the price of one type of nicotine delivery system, but not others, may lead to people merely switching to another system;
• Pipe and cigar smoking are not common now however, a decade ago, smokeless tobacco use was rare. The tobacco industry has shown that it can successfully market smokeless tobacco to youth.

References

Public Health Service. The health consequences of using smokeless tobacco: a report of the Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General. Bethesda, Maryland. USDHSS, April, 19988: NIH #86-2874

CDC: Smokeless tobacco use in rural Alaska. MMWR 1987;36:140-3

Connolly GN, Winn D, Hecht SS, et al: The reemergence of smokeless tobacco. NEJM 1986; 314: 1020-1026.

Nelson DE, Davis RM, Chrismon JH, Giovino GA: Pipe Smoking in the United States, 1965-1991: Prevalence and attributable mortality. Prev Med 1996; 25:91-99.

Hennignfield JE, Harihan M, Kozlowski LT: Nicotine content and health risks of cigars. JAMA 1996; 176:1857-8.

Alaska Native Health Board
1345 Rudakof Circle, Suite 206 Anchorage, AK 99508-6105
phone: (907) 337-00028 fax: (907) 333-2001

The Honorable Con Bunde
Alaska House of Representatives
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801

Dear Representative Bunde:

I am writing to bring your attention, once again, to the urgent need for measures that will significantly reduce the leading cause of death in Alaska-tobacco use. Chief among these measures is a major increase in state tobacco tax rates, an issue before you now in the current special session. All objective evidence indicates that passing the tobacco tax increases will literally mean the difference between life and death for many Alaskans.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that your continued support will be critical in forcing this issue to a floor vote. Please do not let the tobacco industry and the "no new taxes" crowd determine the outcome on this critical health issue. Please also do not let yourself be talked into accepting a "we can do it next year" position. There is no good reason to wait on this matter (and no guarantee of success if we do!) Any delay will only lead to more needless addiction and death. The time to act is now.

I'm attaching a letter written to former Governor Jay Hammond in support of the proposed tobacco tax increase. Please read it, consider the public support for the tobacco tax, consider the 470 death a year caused by smoking in Alaska, and then do the right thing-insist on a vote on the tobacco tax proposal during this special session.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Anne M. Walker
Executive Director

Seven Circles Coalition
3200 Hospital Drive, #202, Juneau, AK 99801
phone: (907) 463-5881 fax: (907) 463-5877

Seven Circles Regional Council Tobacco Resolutions

Title: Prevention of Youth Tobacco Use and Addiction

Whereas, 32% of Alaskan girls smoke or chew tobacco daily, and 36% of Alaskan boys smoke or chew daily; and.

Whereas, 84% of Alaskan adults started smoking between the ages of 10 and 20 years of age; and,

Whereas, tobacco kills far more Americans each year than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, homicide, AIDS, heroin and cocaine COMBINED; and,

Whereas, children and teenagers nationwide constitute 90% of all new smokers; and,

Whereas, Alaska has the sixth highest rate of smoking-related death in the U.S.; and,

Whereas, second hand smoke has been identified as the third leading cause of preventable death ni the U.S., behind active smoking and alcohol-related deaths; and,

Whereas, the U.S. has the lowest cigarette taxes of any developed nation in the world; and,

Whereas, between 1979 and 1991 in Canada, increasing the tax rates by 15.8% decreased the teenage consumption of tobacco by 67%; and,

Whereas, the U.S. Government Accounting Office has determined that for every 1% increase in the price of cigarettes, 1% fewer teenagers will smoke; and,

Whereas, it is estimated that a dollar a pack increase on cigarettes would reduce youth consumption by 32%.

Be it therefore resolved that the Seven Circles Regional Council, made up of representatives from Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka, supports legislation that would increase the cigarette tax an additional $1.00 per pack (to be indexed yearly to inflation) and a commensurate increase in the tax on other tobacco products.

Be it further resolved that the Seven Circles Regional Council supports the efforts of the following groups in the fight against youth tobacco use and addiction: The Association of Alaska School Boards; the Alaska Federation of Natives; Citizens to Protect Kids From Tobacco, Anchorage; The Alaskan Native Health Board; The American Lung Association of Alaska, and the Alaska Division of American Cancer Society.

Be it further resolved that the Seven Circles Regional Council supports efforts to prevent youth tobacco use and addiction through the enforcement of Alaska's law which prohibits the illegal sale of tobacco products to youth.

** Statistics quoted above were obtained from the Alaskan Division of the American Cancer Society, and the American Lung Association of Alaska.

Ketchikan General Hospital

January 24, 1997

Representative Con Bundy
House of Representatives
Health, Education and Social Services Chair
State Capitol, Room 104
Juneau, AK 99801-1182

Representative Bundy:

I am writing on behalf of Ketchikan General Hospital and PeaceHealth, a health care organization serving the Northwest.

I would like to voice my support for the $1.00 tax on tobacco. Being in the health care industry, we are painfully aware of the effects of tobacco on the population. Ketchikan General Hospital is both an acute and long term care facility. While we don't have statistics, the incident of tobacco and alcohol - related disease is a factor in many of our patient's lives.

I hope that you and the committee recommend the $1.00 tax on tobacco.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

<signature>

Edward F. Mahn
Administrator

Alaska Commission on Aging
PO Box 110209, Juneau, AK 99811-0209
phone: (907) 465-3250 fax: (907) 465-4716 e-mail: sr_services@admin.state.ak.us

Resolution 97-4

In Support of increased taxation on cigarettes and tobacco products

Whereas, research has shown use of tobacco products is detrimental to health and shortens life spans; and

Whereas, the State of Alaska bears the cost of these resulting health problems; and

Whereas, research has shown increased cost is a deterrent to use; and

Whereas, the senior citizens of Alaska have an interest in encouraging the health of youth and adults of all ages in our state.

Therefor, be it resolved by the Alaska Commission on Aging to support bills which significantly increase taxation on tobacco products.

Adopted the 25th day of February, 1997.

<Signature>

Donald Hoover, Chair

Association of Alaska School Boards
316 West 11th Street, Juneau, AK 99801-1510
phone: (907) 586-1083 fax: (907) 586-2995 e-mail: aasb@ptialaska.net

January 20, 1997

The Honorable Con Bunde, Chair
House HESS Committee
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182

Dear Representative Bunde:

The Association of Alaska School Boards has established child advocacy as one of our top priorities. Our mission to promote parental, public, and social service commitment to the shared responsibility of educating all children enables us to address issues that deal with the health and safety of Alaska's children. To this end, during the 1996 AASB Annual Conference, our membership reaffirmed their commitment to a resolution which recommends increasing tobacco taxes in order to reduce the accessibility of tobacco by teens.

We are pleased that you have sponsored a bill (HB 1) which will prevent tobacco addiction among our children. We believe that, through the combined influences of tax levies, strict law enforcement, and quality education, we can all have a hand in preventing our children from becoming addicted to tobacco.

AASB supports legislation which keeps our kids tobacco free. Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of Alaska's children.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Carl F. N. Rose
Executive Director

Association of Alaska School Boards

Position Paper
Increase in Tobacco Tax

In order to address the risk to the health and safety of children and youth that tobacco related products represent, the Association of Alaska School Boards strongly supports legislation which would increase the cigarette tax.

After a review of the research, we take this position because:

• nicotine is an addictive drug that has been proven harmful to children;
• The average teenage smoker starts smoking at 14 1/2 years old and becomes a daily smoker before the age of 18;
• if people do not begin to smoke as teenagers or children, it is unlikely they will ever do so; and
• children tend to vastly underestimate the likelihood that they will become addicted to nicotine.

Tobacco use is a problem among Alaska's teens. 27% of 12th grade girls and 18% of 12th grade boys report daily use of cigarettes. Rates are highest among Alaska Natives: 31% of 12th grade girls and 21% of 12 grade boys.

Of public health strategies available for reducing tobacco use, increasing tobacco taxes as a way of raising the price of tobacco products is viewed as the most effective. One of its virtues is that it is immediate and does not require further public resources to implement.

By increasing the tax on tobacco Alaska can significantly reduce the use of tobacco among teens. Below are two examples of regions where taxation reduced tobacco consumption among teens.

• In Canada, between 1979 and 1991, higher tax rates increased the real price of tobacco by 158 percent and teenage consumption dropped by two-thirds.
• In California, cigarette smoking declined nearly 24 percent (from 26.7 percent in 1988 to 20.4 percent in 1992) after California approved a 25 cent excise tax increase.

AASB believes that it is much easier to prevent smoking, than it is to help a teenager quit once they have become addicted. We hope that you consider joining AASB in our goal to protect that health of teenagers by voting to increase the Alaskan sales tax on tobacco.

01-20-97

Association of Alaska School Boards

Resolution

Subject Area: Child and Youth Advocacy
97-4

Increase in Tobacco Tax

WHEREAS, Alaska has the sixth highest rate of smoking and sixth highest rate of smoking-related deaths in the nation; and
WHEREAS, 32% of Alaskan girls smoke or chew tobacco daily, and 36% of Alaskan boys smoke or chew daily; and
WHEREAS, nearly 84% of Alaskan adults started smoking between the ages of 10 and 20 years of age; and
WHEREAS, smoking is illegal by youth under the age of 19; and
WHEREAS, smoking accounted for 19% of deaths in Alaska in 1991, averaging 1 per day; and
WHEREAS, the estimated direct health care cost attributed to smoking in 1991 was $45.6 million for persons 35 and older; and
WHEREAS, between 1979 and 1991 Canada reduced the teenage consumption of tobacco by 67% by increasing the tax rates by 15.8%; and
WHEREAS, the US Government Accounting Office has determined that for every 1% increase in the price of cigarettes, 1% fewer teenagers will smoke; and
WHEREAS, Alaska's tobacco tax was last increased in 1989; and
WHEREAS, a January 1996 statewide survey found that 74% of Alaskans support an increase of $1 per pack in the state excise tax on cigarettes; and
WHEREAS, the current cigarette tax is $0.29 per pack or 25% of the wholesale price of other tobacco products.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Alaska School Boards supports legislation which would increase the cigarette tax by an additional $1.00 per pack (to be indexed yearly to inflation) and an increase on other tobacco products by an additional 75%.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Alaska School Boards supports the direction of funds raised under this tax to go towards prevention efforts.

Association of Alaska School Boards

Resolution

Subject Area: Child and Youth Advocacy
97-5

Access to Tobacco Products

WHEREAS, nicotine is an addictive drug and has been proven to be harmful to children; and
WHEREAS, the average teenage smoker starts at 14 1/2 years old and becomes a daily smoker before the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, studies show that if people do not begin to smoke as teenagers or children, it is unlikely they will ever do so; and
WHEREAS, each and every day, another 3,000 young people become regular smokers, and nearly 1,000 hem will eventually die as a result of their smoking; and
WHEREAS, children tend to vastly underestimate the likelihood that they will become addicted to nicotine; and
WHEREAS, a 1994 Surgeon General's report found that young people were able to buy cigarettes in vending machines an average of 88% of the time; and
WHEREAS, Alaska state law prohibits the use of tobacco by minors;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Alaska School Boards seeks legislation to strengthen penalties for illegal sale of tobacco products to minors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that AASB seeks legislation to further reduce access to tobacco vending machines by minors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that AASB support vigorous enforcement of laws concerning the sale, use, and possession of tobacco-related products by children and adolescents.

Association of Alaska School Boards

Resolution

Subject Area: Child and Youth Advocacy
97-6

Preserving the Rights of Local Government to Regulate Tobacco

WHEREAS, there is a movement in the United States to enact laws which preempt local governing bodies from adopting or enforcing any ordinance, rule, or regulation concerning the sale, distribution, advertising, display, or promotion of cigarette or tobacco products; and
WHEREAS, preemption would limit the authority of boroughs, cities and villages; and
WHEREAS, local ordinances are more likely to give the citizens a sense of ownership or loyalty to regulations, ultimately resulting in changed social norms related to the specific issue addressed; and
WHEREAS, former US Surgeon General C. Everett Koop was called preemption "nothing more than a devious strategy conceived by the tobacco industry to keep you communities, and therefore your people from becoming more involved in critical tobacco prevention efforts;" and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that AASB supports the right and authority of local governments to enact their own restrictions on alcohol and tobacco; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that AASB supports local government's home rule to use their zoning, planning, and other local police powers to control alcohol and tobacco problems, including advertising and access.

Anchorage School District
4600 DeBarr Road, PO Box 196614, Anchorage, AK 99519-6614
phone: (907) 333-9561

Dear Members of the House State Affairs Committee

The Anchorage School Board supports legislation which would increase the cigarette tax an additional $1.00 per pack (to be indexed yearly to inflation) and an increase on other tobacco products an additional 75%.

According to former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, "Cigarette taxes ... are the most effective way to discourage tobacco use among young people. ... Increasing the cigarette tax could be one of the most important public health measures this country has ever taken."

In addition:

• Tobacco use is the leading cause of death in Alaska.
  
• Some 89% of adults who smoke began using cigarettes by or before age 18.
  
• Youth smoking and smokeless tobacco use rates in Alaska are higher than the national average. In 1989, 23% of high school seniors in Alaska reported that they smoked daily. Eighteen percent of 12 grade boys reported daily use of chewing tobacco.
  
• Increasing tobacco taxes is widely recognized as the single most effective way to reduce tobacco consumption among children. Research shows that a price increase of 10% in cigarettes can be expected to produce an equal or greater decrease in consumption by children.
  
• In Canada, between 1979 and 1991, increasing the tax rates by 15.8% decreased the teenage consumption of tobacco by 67%.
  
• Alaska's tobacco tax was last increased in 1989, and as of January 1, 1996, only 23 states had lower tobacco taxes than Alaska.
  
• A recent survey of 615 Alaskans found that 65% of respondents favored a $0.75 increase in the tobacco sales tax if the money went toward health care programs.

Every day in the United States, about 3,000 children join the ranks of cigarette smokers. The average age of these children is 14.5 years old. Tobacco tax increases offer an opportunity to increase revenue and reduce consumption among children. We urge you to support increasing the cigarette tax an additional $1.00 per pack and an increase on other tobacco products an additional 75%.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Peggy Robertson-Wilson, President
Anchorage School Board

cc: Gail Phillips, Speaker, Anchorage Caucus Members

Mayors Task Force on Youth

Representative Con Bunde
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, AK 99801-1182

Dear Representative Bunde:

On behalf of the Juneau Mayor's Task Force on Youth, we would like to express our support for HB 431 and other bills which increase the tobacco excise tax in Alaska. The Mayor's Task Force on Youth is concerned with the health and safety of young people in Juneau. We support programs, activities and public policy which support youth in making a healthy transition to adulthood.

We support a tobacco tax increase as a safety measure that protects children from tobacco addiction. We believe the proposed $1 a pack tax increase would be an effective way to rapidly and significantly reduce the number of children who start smoking and encourage youth and adults to quit. 90% of all smokers begin before the age 18, so if we can keep young people from starting to smoke we give them a healthy start into adulthood. It is estimated the proposed tax increase would lead to a 32% reduction in youth smoking. This is significant and would go a long way toward improving the health of our youth.

The Mayor's Task Force on Youth is concerned about tobacco use among youth not only because of the number of people who eventually die from tobacco use, but because tobacco is a "gateway drug." Cigarettes and chewing tobacco are often the first drug children experiment with and once they become accustomed to using tobacco they move on to experiment with other drugs including alcohol and marijuana. Through the use of tobacco, children learn early on to use drugs as a coping skill and source of pleasure, rather than finding healthy ways to cope with stress and have fun.

We appreciate you introducing and supporting this important legislation. We want you to know that many people in the state also support increased tobacco taxes as a way to both protect the health of youth and to raise revenue for the State of Alaska.

If you need any additional support please do not hesitate to call Jeannie Monk at 463-5844 or Ron Gleason at 463-1900.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Jeannie Monk
Co-facilitator
Mayor's Task Force on Youth

<Signature>

Ron Gleason
Co-facilitator
Mayor's Task Force on Youth

Alaska Health Education Consortium
PO Box 100563, Anchorage, AK 99510

Representative Con Ralph Bunde
Alaska State Legislature
State Capitol (MS3100)
Juneau, AK 99801-1182

Dear Representative Bunde:

I am writing on behalf of the Alaska Health Education Consortium (AHEC) to urge your support for legislation to raise Alaska's cigarette tax to $1.00 per pack or higher, with a comparable increase in taxation on other tobacco products.

AHEC is a statewide organization comprised of persons interested in promoting health and preventing disease and premature death in Alaska through education and prevention efforts. Although education is an important part of these efforts, experience shows that public policy is a critical component of any tobacco control program.

Enclosed is a copy of a resolution adopted by AHEC members in November, 1995 which states our position on the taxation of tobacco products. Taxation, in particular, has been shown to be the single most effective strategy to reduce tobacco consumption, especially among kids. 84% of Alaska adults began smoking between the ages of 10 and 20 years. And of course, preventing nicotine addiction in kids is the key to ending the epidemic of tobacco-related disease which now claims the lives of one out of five Alaskans.

Tobacco taxation represents a win-win-win situation for the legislature - simultaneously raising revenue, preventing drug addiction and early death, and winning public approval. (A recent survey showed that almost three-fourths of Alaskans support a $1.00 per pack increase in the state cigarette tax.)

Alaska now has one of the highest rates of smoking and smoking related death rates in the country, but our tobacco taxes are below the national average. We hope you will consider your obligation to protect and promote the public health, and support the tobacco tax legislation as a way to reduce the leading cause of death in Alaska. Please contact either of us if you would like additional information on AHEC, it support of taxation as a means of raising the cost of tobacco thereby decreasing use, or the resolution.

Sincerely,

<Signature>

Patricia A. Carr, Chair
Advocacy and Resolutions Committee
(907) 789-4938

<Signature>

Michele A. Hansen
President
(907) 344-6889

City of Homer
Homer, Alaska

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOMER, ALASKA ENCOURAGES THE ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT A SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER STATE EXICISE TAX ON CIGARETTES AND OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND JOINS IN SUPPORTING THESE EFFORTS AND ACTIVITIES TO HELP PREVENT TOBACCO CONSUMPTION AMONG ALASKA'S YOUTH.

WHEREAS, tobacco kills over 400,000 Americans each year, more than alcohol, car accidents, suicides, homicide, AIDs, heroin and cocaine combined; and

WHEREAS, children and teenagers nationwide constitute 90% of all new smokers; and

WHEREAS, smokers have twice as many job-related accidents, 50% more sick leave and use the health care system 50% more than non-smokers; and

WHEREAS, Alaska has the sixth highest rate of smoking, and the sixth highest rate of smoking related death in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, 84% of Alaska adult smokers started smoking between the ages of 10 and 20; and

WHEREAS, approximately one-third of all children who become smokers will eventually die from smoking related diseases; and

WHEREAS, higher tobacco prices have proven effective in reducing tobacco consumption, particularly among youth; and

WHEREAS, the United States has the lowest cigarette taxes of any developed nation in the world; and

WHEREAS, the South Peninsula Hospital Operating and Service Area Boards have adopted similar resolutions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Homer Alaska that the City encourages the Alaska State Legislature to ... (missing second page - webmaster)

Homer High School Parent Teacher Student Association
600 E Fairview, Homer, Alaska 99603
phone: (907) 235-8186

Whereas, tobacco kills far more Americans each year than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, homicide, AIDs, heroin and cocaine COMBINED;

Whereas, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the country;

Whereas, 3,000 children become regular smokers each and every day;

Whereas, most smokers begin by the age of 13-15 and are addicted by the age of 18;

Whereas, smoking is the addictive behavior most likely to be established during adolescence;

Whereas, 84% of Alaskan adult smokers started smoking between the ages of 10 and 20;

Whereas, Alaska has the sixth highest rate of smoking and smoking-related death in the U.S.;

Whereas, tobacco kills 1 out of 5 Alaskans;

Whereas, higher tobacco prices have proven effective in reducing tobacco consumption, particularly among youth;

Whereas, the U.S. General Accounting Office has concluded that a 10% increase in the price of tobacco results in a 10-14% decrease in consumption among youth;

Whereas, direct health care costs associated with smoking-related diseases burdened the Alaskan economy by 45.6 million dollars in 1991;

Whereas, each and every citizen of Alaska must underwrite these costs, whether or not they choose to use tobacco;

Whereas, Homer citizens have already shown their overwhelming support for increased cigarette excise taxes;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Homer High School Parent, Teacher and Student Association encourages the Alaska state legislature to enact a significantly higher state excise tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products, and call upon all educators, parents and students to join in supporting these efforts and activities to help prevent tobacco consumption among Alaska's youth.

Homer High School Parent, Student Association

<Signature>

Diana L. Joslyn
Chairperson

Attest;

<Signature>

Jacquelyn Jackinsky-Honell
Vice-Chair

Homer High School Student Council
600 East Fairview, Homer, Alaska 99603
phone: (907) 235-8186

Whereas, 3,000 children become regular smokers each and every day;

whereas, most smokers begin by age 14 and are addicted by 18;

whereas, children and teenagers nationwide constitute 90% of all new smokers;

whereas, as many as one-third of all children who become smokers will eventually die from smoking-related diseases;

whereas, 73% of daily teen smokers who think they won't be smoking in 5 years are still smoking 5 years later;

whereas, 80% of teen smokers want and have tried to quit, but only 1.2% succeed;

whereas, of the 3,000 children who will become regular smokers in the US this year, 30 will eventually be murdered, 60 will die in car accidents, and nearly 750 will be killed by tobacco;

whereas, nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine, and is more potent than cocaine in modifying behavior;

whereas, higher tobacco prices have proven effective in reducing tobacco consumption, particularly among youth;

whereas, 54% of high school males have used smokeless tobacco;

whereas, smokeless tobacco causes cancers of the gum, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus;

whereas, smokeless tobacco users are disproportionately young and economically disadvantaged, and therefore especially sensitive to tax increases;

whereas, it is the responsibility of the government of Alaska to do everything in its power to protect our youth from an addictive and deadly drug;

therefore, be it resolved that the Homer High School Student Council calls upon the Alaska Legislature to enact a significantly higher state excise tax on all forms of tobacco, therefore supporting efforts and activities to help prevent tobacco consumption among Alaska's youth.

>Signatures>

President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer

Homer Junior High School Parent Advisory Organization
500 Sterling Hwy., Homer, Alaska 99603
phone: (907) 235-5291)

Whereas, tobacco kills far more Americans each year than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, homicide, AIDs, heroin and cocaine COMBINED;

Whereas, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the country;

Whereas, 3,000 children become regular smokers each and every day;

Whereas, most smokers begin by the age of 13-15 and are addicted by the age of 18;

Whereas, smoking is the addictive behavior most likely to be established during adolescence;

Whereas; 84% of Alaskan adult smokers started smoking between the ages of 10 and 20;

Whereas, Alaska has the sixth highest rate of smoking and smoking-related death in the U.S.

Whereas, tobacco kills 1 out of 5 Alaskans;

Whereas, higher tobacco prices have proven effective in reducing tobacco consumption, particularly among youth;

Whereas, state excise taxes on tobacco have failed to keep pace with inflation;

Whereas, the U.S. General Accounting Office has concluded that a 10% increase in the price of tobacco results in a 10-14% decrease in consumption among youth;

Whereas, direct health care costs associated with smoking-related diseases burdened the Alaskan economy by 45.6 million dollars in 1991;

Whereas, each and every citizen of Alaska must underwrite these costs, whether or not they choose to use tobacco;

Whereas, Homer citizens have already shown their overwhelming support for increased cigarette excise taxes;

Therefor, be it resolved that the Homer Junior High School Parent Advisory Organization encourages the Alaska state legislature to enact a significantly higher state excise tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products, and calls upon all educators, parents and students to join in supporting these efforts and activities to help prevent tobacco consumption among Alaska's youth.

Homer Junior High School Parent Advisory Organization

<Signature>

Patricia L. Moss
Chairperson

ATTEST;

<Signature>

M. Kathryn Pate
Vice-Chair