Learning Objectives: Explain reasons for successes and failures in different methods of smokeless tobacco control advocacy.
Abstract: One of the most effective methods of decreasing tobacco use, particularly among minors, is to increase the cost of tobacco products.
In order to achieve such results, in 2001 the American Lung Association of Washington coordinated and led Initiative 773, a successful ballot initiative campaign, which raised tobacco taxes in Washington to the highest in the nation: the tax on smokeless tobacco products increased from 74.9% to 129.4% of the wholesale price, and on cigarettes from 82.5 cents to $1.425 per pack.
This presentation is intended for advocacy professionals and volunteer leaders in tobacco control, particularly those who direct the planning, strategy, or implementation of legislative or ballot advocacy efforts. The key points that will be presented and discussed include: (1) methods used for development and implementation of Washington’s successful Initiative 773, including organizational structure, funding, advocacy partners, staffing, message development, and communications strategy; (2)legislative methods of tobacco control advocacy that have been pursued in Washington, both successful and unsuccessful; and (3)experiences in states other than Washington in tobacco control advocacy.
The presentation and discussion of the methods for development and passage of Initiative 773 should help participants gain an understanding of how Washington succeeded in this effort. Combined with a discussion of other successful and unsuccessful approaches that have been undertaken in Washington and other states, such information will hopefully assist professional and volunteer advocates across the country successfully develop their own policies, messages, and strategies that can help decrease tobacco use in their own states.
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