The American Lung Association recently released its “State of Tobacco Control” report, and it turns out Wisconsin has some work to do. Dona Winisky from the American Lung Association spoke with host Craig Dillon on the WCUB Breakfast Club recently, and she explained Wisconsin’s only A came in the Strength of Smoke-Free Workplace Laws category, but “Even 10 years ago before that law passed, it wasn’t unusual at all for people to smoke on the job.”
As for the areas that need work, she said that Wisconsin received three F’s. She explained that Wisconsin doesn’t fund tobacco prevention and control, or a quitline anywhere the Centers for Disease Control recommends, meaning we failed in the Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs, and Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco categories.
Wisconsin also fails to have a Tobacco 21 Law. While the federal government passed a law requiring those who purchase tobacco to be 21, the State of Wisconsin has not. We also received a D grade for the level of State tobacco taxes, due to disparity of taxes charged on cigarettes and vaping products. Winisky says they want to see “E-cigarettes taxed at the same level as cigarettes, and right now they are not even close.” The reason for this is due to children being price sensitive. She explained, “If they only have a certain am0ount of money to spend, they may choose to buy something a little less harmful than fruit flavored Juul’s and some of the other products that are out there.”
If you wish to learn more about the report, you can call the American Lung Association at 262-703-4840.
