April 26, 1999

Dear Constituents of District 32:

I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to send me public opinion messages regarding the distribution of tobacco taxes. Although I did not agree with the concept of the tobacco lawsuit, it is now a reality. In 1999, Alaskan smokers will pay over $65 million in taxes and increased cigarette prices directly related to the tobacco settlement. Only $200,000 is currently budgeted for tobacco control programs. As co-chairman of the HESS Committee, I feel it is important that this money fund prevention and medical programs related to smoking.

I support the two pieces of legislation introduced by Rep. Rokeberg that address your concerns. HB 21 is an appropriation bill that would allocate 50 percent of the funds received before July 1, 2000 to the medical assistance program and 50 percent to a comprehensive tobacco smoking cessation and tobacco use prevention and control program.

Appropriating a portion of the settlement to the medical assistance program will help offset Alaska's Medicaid expenses attributed to smoking-related illnesses.

According to the Alaska Tobacco Control Alliance there are 110,000 smokers in Alaska, and 80% of these people wish to quit. Approximately 500 Alaskans die every year from smoking-related illnesses. Under HB 21, the remainder of the settlement will fund a tobacco prevention program created by HB 37 that will assist smokers who want to stop smoking and help discourage non-smokers and our youth from starting.

Thanks again for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

Representative John Coghill