Cancer Control Research
6R01CA086314-02
Begay, Michael E.
STUDYING TOBACCO CONTROL POLICY IN MASSACHUSETTS
Abstract
DESCRIPTION: (Applicant's Description)
We propose to study policy decisions associated with the implementation of the
Massachusetts Tobacco Program (MTCP) that is funded by a statewide ballot
initiative called Question 1. Passed by voters in 1992, this initiative
raised the state excise tax on Cigarettes by 25 cents to provide funds for
tobacco education and prevention programs.
MTCP has been successful in reducing cigarette consumption. Between 1992 and
1997, per capita cigarette consumption declined by 31 percent. However,
Question 1 funding for tobacco education programs has declined (taking
inflation, based on 1998 dollars, into account) from fiscal years 1995 through
1999 by 23 percent. This means that the tobacco education campaign will not
achieve its legislative goal of reducing tobacco use by 50 percent by the year
2000. In addition, the Massachusetts Legislature has spent about 29 percent
of Question I funds for tobacco education and prevention programs and over 71
percent of these funds have been spent for programs that provide little, if
any, tobacco education services.
This project has the following three specific aims: (1) prepare a case study
examining how non-tobacco-related public health programs have spent
legislatively appropriated Question I funds; (2) prepare a case study
examining the role of Massachusetts in the Multi-State Tobacco Settlement
Agreement, and analyzing the appropriation of Settlement revenues for state-
funded programs in Massachusetts; and (3) prepare in-depth case studies
examining three communities in Massachusetts that were implementing a smoking
ban in bars (Amherst) and in restaurants (Boston and Springfield).
Our overall goal is to develop the knowledge public health professionals need
to implement effective tobacco control legislation. It is important for
public health professionals to learn more about the obstacles to tobacco
control policy.
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