Telling state leaders “there has never been a more important time to help tobacco users quit,” Texas Tobacco Control Partners – a coalition that includes the Texas Medical Association – is asking for a $6 million boost to state funding for tobacco-use prevention and cessation.
In a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and three key lawmakers, the coalition requested the funds be part of the Texas Legislature’s allocations of $16.5 billion in COVID-19 relief funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which legislators are working out during the current special session.
Along with TMA, Texas Tobacco Control Partners includes the Texas Association of Family Physicians, the American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and several other public health-focused organizations. The coalition made its case, in part, by noting the link between smoking and COVID-19 risk.
“People who smoke or who used to smoke are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19,” the letter said. “Smoking is also a proven risk factor for cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease … and heart disease, which also put people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The adverse health effects of smoking are well-documented, and COVID-19 has exacerbated this.”
The coalition’s letter staked its argument on financial grounds as well, noting that the state’s tobacco control funding has been reduced in each of the past five budgets. Also, Texas Tobacco Control Partners noted the state is expected to collect $971 million in tobacco revenues for $2021, yet the 2022-23 budget metes out just $9.2 million for tobacco prevention and cessation – only 3% of what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for the Lone Star State.
“An additional $6 million would bring program funding back to levels in the 2013-15 budget, before e-cigarette use exploded among Texas youth,” the coalition wrote. “Research shows that the more states spend on comprehensive tobacco control programs, the greater the reductions in smoking. The longer states invest in such programs, the greater and quicker the impact.”
Texas lawmakers addressed in the letter are House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont), and the chairs of the respective budget committees in the House and Senate, Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD (R-Friendswood), and Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound). The current special session began Sept. 20 and will last up to 30 days.