|
|
Article: TOBACCO CONTROL PROGRAM LOWERS COSTS AND INCREASES REVENUE.(Opinion)(Letter to the editor)
- Article from:
- The Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY)
- Article date:
- November 4, 2008
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of The Herald Co. by the Gale Group, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
To the Editor:
I am responding to the Oct.27 letter by Nancy St. Onge.
At this time of fiscal concern, it is important to recognize the success and impact of programs that lower costs, increase revenue and help people. The New York State Tobacco Control Program does all of these things.
Tobacco-related illness and conditions are major causes of health care costs -- over $8 billion a year. I am impressed that we are seeing a $3 return on investment for every $1 spent on tobacco control.
Revenue has increased due to the increase in the excise tax. Another $800 million a year could be brought into the state if excise taxes were collected ...