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More Tobacco Programs
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Numerous scientific studies, public opinion polls, and ballot measures conducted over the last 15 to 20 years have shown that the
majority of Californians prefer a smoke free atmosphere. Not only in areas where we work, where we eat, in our homes and cars, but even in our
outdoor environment. And not just non-smoking adults or dedicated athletes but tobacco users themselves have expressed a desire to have certain
areas in their life where smoking is not permitted.
In November 1988, California voters approved the California Tobacco Health Protection Act of 1988, also known as Prop 99. This referendum increased the state cigarette tax by 25 cents per pack and added an equivalent amount on other tobacco products. The new revenues were earmarked for programs to reduce smoking, to provide health care services to indigents, to support tobacco-related research, and to fund resource programs for the environment. The money is deposited by using the following formula: 20 percent is deposited in the Health Education Account (HEA); 35 percent in the Hospital Services Account; 10 percent in the Physician Services Account; 5 percent in the Research Account; 5 percent in the Public Resources Account; and 25 percent in the Unallocated Account (Revenue and Taxation Code 30124). Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) or "secondhand smoke" is that smoke left in the air in the vicinity of someone who is smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. California has laws intended to protect the public from ETS. As a governmental sub-division of the State of California, every County Health Department is mandated by law to enforce the laws related to tobacco use, possession, sales to minors, advertising, protection of workplace environment, and to report all known violations back to the state. The following topics are listed here to answer common questions about tobacco laws, known health hazards, tobacco use restrictions, and to assist our local communities in understanding and following the law. For comments or questions regarding the information presented here please call, write, or email to the address below. Or drop in to speak with us in person. We are always willing to help. |
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Sierra County Tobacco Use Reduction Post Office Box 299 Loyalton, CA 96118 Phone: (530) 993-6745 Fax: (530) 993-6775 Email: prevention@sierracounty.ws |
| What the Law means to Business | |
| Retail Businesses | |
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| The Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) |
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On November 23, 1998, the Attorney Generals of 46 States, 5 U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, and the nation's
7 largest tobacco companies signed a $206 billion agreement spread out over 25 years to settle pending lawsuits. California was part of this
Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement (MSA), which sought to make tobacco companies accountable for the death, disease and disability caused by
tobacco, and to seek compensation for public funds spent treating people with tobacco-related diseases. California's portion of $1 billion
received annually is split evenly between the state and its counties (based on population). There were no provisions in the settlement agreement
for how these funds should be spent. However, the American Lung Association of California recommended that direct healthcare receive 85 percent
of these monies, and that enhanced existing tobacco prevention programs designed to de-normalize tobacco that also support existing enforcement
of tobacco control laws receive 5 percent. There is much public support for putting funding into prevention at the local level, as a public
opinion poll conducted by the American Heart Association in California in March 2000 found that 82% of those being surveyed agreed that
counties should allocate 25 percent to these efforts.
In addition to the monetary settlement, the MSA requires tobacco companies to: restrict certain advertising and marketing practices, limit
corporate sponsorships of events, disband The Tobacco Institute, regulate new tobacco trade organizations, provide access to tobacco industry
documents, and create a national foundation (American Legacy Foundation) to develop a comprehensive youth prevention program.
To read more on MSA click on this link:
MSA |
| Handouts and Information |
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Sierra County Prevention Coalition is a group of concerned organizations that meet monthly to target prevention of drug,
alcohol, and tobacco abuse. For more information contact: Laurie Marsh at 530-993-6745 or Sandy Villarreal at 530-993-6789.
Application for Membership Stanislaus County DAAB San Mateo County DAAB San Luis Obispo County DAAB San Luis Obispo County DAAB Contra Costa County DAAB Coalition Training Examples Nicotine and Cocaine Vaccination Update |
Print View  Updated on 2009-04-27 16:53:55 by admin |
