Learning Objectives: Translate polling research and public opinion into an effective anti-tobacco legislative or initiative strategy. Develop effective anti-tobacco, pro-public health messages that resonate across geographic and class boundaries. Design a media strategy to convey these messages.
Abstract: Tobacco taxes are a proven way to reduce smoking among both adults and kids, and are especially timely given revenue shortfalls in states throughout the country. Policymakers and advocates interested in improving public health by designing and promoting tobacco tax legislation and initiatives and developing successful media strategies will benefit from this workshop. Participants will learn to translate polling research and public opinion into an anti-tobacco legislative or initiative strategy; develop effective anti-tobacco, pro-public health messages that resonate across geographic and class boundaries; and design a media strategy to convey these messages. Presenters conducted extensive polling, designed the policy, convened the coalition and developed the media messages and strategy behind Initiative 773, which raised Washington state’s tobacco tax by 60 cents in November 2001. The combination of compelling popular messages and progressive public policy led to the initiative’s passage with more than a 65% majority in 38 of 39 counties. This $125 million new annual revenue stream was earmarked to fund low-income health programs and statewide tobacco prevention efforts. Presenters will provide a toolkit containing detailed polling results, policy research, fact sheets and media strategies that proved key to engaging the public in a dialogue about the health and economic impacts of smoking and lack of health insurance. Participants will be able to use materials from this toolkit and lessons learned from Washington state to gauge public opinion, convene stakeholders, develop effective messaging and ultimately promote a tobacco tax either legislatively or through the initiative process in their own state.
HealthToolKitExcerpts1102.pdf (652.0 kb)
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