Learning Objectives: Demonstrate a basic understanding of various youth advocacy strategies used to successfully protect state tobacco control programs during budget crisis. Identify opportunities for youth and program advisors to work with public health officials and organizers in your own communities to protect program budgets. Understand and communicate to legislators and others the key arguments in favor of tobacco control and prevention programs.
Abstract: Tobacco control and prevention programs across the country have been seriously threatened throughout the past year. With governors and state legislatures looking to balance budgets in difficult times, tobacco settlement money and the programs it funds have often been one of the first places they look to to help eliminate deficits.
The Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program has led by example for years. From its innovative and effective media campaigns, to outstanding resources for education, prevention and policy development, it is a comprehensive program in every sense. This year however, its progress was seriously threatened as acting Governor Swift proposed cuts of $4 million and then $13 million. That cut would have potentially eliminated all settlement funding as well as a million dollars of tax funding for tobacco control.
Florida, home of truth and SWAT, two of the strongest youth movements in tobacco control, also faced a budget battle as 2002 approached. With proposed cuts of $14.5 million, the Florida legislature would have cut funding for community partnerships like county SWAT programs by over 60 percent.
Massachusetts' program ended up with a $4 million dollar increase. Florida significantly reduced the proposed cuts, surviving two legislative sessions and protecting their community partnerships.
Who helped save the day? Youth advocates like Cynthia Loesch of Boston, MA and Jacob Baime of Tampa, FL, both high school students, and both extremely active in their state programs.
How did they do it? Sit back and listen, ask questions, seek advice, and ultimately learn how to translate their strategies and actions into success in your own states . . .
Back to Saving Their States: Youth Advocates Securing Settlement Money for Tobacco Prevention Programs
Back to Tobacco Use Prevention Among Youth
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health