WI: barely in the top half

In a report on state funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs released today by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Wisconsin managed to eke out a spot in the top half of the states - but just barely. We were awarded 22nd place based on the old CDC funding guidelines.

You can view the full Wisconsin report here: http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements/state.php?StateID=WI.

The new CDC funding guidelines paint an even bleaker picture. Wisconsin's recommended funding jumped from $31 million to $64 million this year. That means our program will be funded at only 23% of the recommended amount (rather than the almost 50% by using the old number).

We made progress this budget cycle by increasing our funding to $15 million/yr., but there's a long way to go before we're adequately addressing the problem of tobacco in Wisconsin.

Rather than summarize the whole report, I thought I'd highlight just one piece and ask you what you think. Please leave a comment!