Legislative Update

Funding for Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Programs - Master Settlement Agreement

Well-funded tobacco prevention and cessation programs can save Pennsylvania billions of dollars in tobacco-related health care costs. In July 2010, the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed a state budget that continued to reduce funding to the tobacco prevention and cessation program by 45 percent. Due to this significant cut in funding, many programs can no longer serve their communities. The need to educate legislators about the importance of these life-saving programs is greater than ever.

In June 2012, the Pennsylvania State Legislature and Governor Tom Corbett passed the Fiscal Year 2012/2013 budget. Monies for the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation programs remain in the Tobacco Settlement Fund. Significant cuts were made to the program as in past years. The Tobacco Prevention and Cessation program is currently funded at $14.2 Million.

The state budget included severe cuts to other health programs, with many programs being eliminated. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs were sustained at almost current funding. This allows these essential programs to be maintained to help reduce tobacco related disease across the Commonwealth and help reduce the burden of health care costs associated with tobacco use and exposure. More about Master Settlement Agreement...

Other Tobacco Products Excise Tax

Pennsylvania is the only state in the U.S. that does not tax other (non-cigarette) tobacco products. An other tobacco products tax could raise significant revenue for the state of Pennsylvania. By taxing these products by a percentage of the manufacturer's price could generate an estimated $160 million.     More about Other Tobacco Products...

Comprehensive Clean Indoor Air

The Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act went into effect on September 11, 2008. The law makes exceptions for a number of workplaces across the Commonwealth. Senate Bill 35, introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), is comprehensive legislation that would eliminate many of the exceptions in the current law.   More about Clean Indoor Air...

PACT Legislative Tracking Document