Last week the American Lung Association released a scathing report card for state tobacco prevention programs. It’s the sort of thing that most self-respecting students would hide from their parents: 40 states got an F; three more picked up a D. Texas is among the states relegated to the back of the class. The association gave Texas failing grades for tobacco prevention, smoke-free air and cessation programs. Its tobacco tax of $1.41 per p ... Jump to full article >>

After several years of trying to raise the state’s cellar-dwelling tax on cigarettes, South Carolina lawmakers have come up with yet another proposal. The House Ways and Means Committee has proposed a hike of 30 cents a pack to be used for Medicaid funding. That would bring us up to Georgia’s 37 cents a pack, but well below the national average of $1.34 a pack. The increase is expected to bring in about $88 million. It’s also f ... Jump to full article >>