Public Health Data Show Big Drop in Tobacco Use in State
According to data the state Department of Public Health released, smoking rates among California adults have declined 41% since voters approved the California Tobacco Control Program 20 years ago. The program instituted a 25-cent-per-pack tax on cigarettes that directed five cents per pack sold to tobacco control efforts. California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Belshé said officials estimate the program has saved one million lives and $86 billion in health care costs.
- "Cigarette Use in California Is in Steep Decline" (Bailey, Los Angeles Times, 4/9).