Tax, state ban help snuff smoking

By The Gazette Editorial Board

----

When state lawmakers pushed to raise Iowa's cigarette tax by $1 per pack in 2007, backers argued that the increase would help reduce cigarette smoking in Iowa. Even as they raised the tax, they predicted that tax revenues eventually would drop as Iowans dropped the deadly tobacco habit.

Six years later, their crystal ball appears to have been accurate.

Sixteen percent of Iowa adults smoke, according to the latest estimates. That's a 4 percent drop from 2007.

And after an initial jump in tobacco tax collections, revenues have dropped 9 percent between fiscal year 2007 and the current 2014 budget year. The $226.8 million expected to flow in this year from tobacco taxes goes to the Healthy Iowa Trust Fund, where it helps cover the state's share of Medicaid costs.

Along with the state tax increase, and a federal tax boost, Iowa's 2008 Smokefree Air Act, which banned smoking in most indoor public places, is also a major factor in reducing the appeal of smoking. All in all, Iowa can be proud of the strides it's made in cutting smoking rates.

Health advocates contend that Iowa isn't spending enough state dollars on anti-smoking and cessation programs. The state is spending $5.1 million on those efforts, but a federal formula created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that number should be $36.7 million.

We don't think a major boost in anti-smoking funding is necessary. The message on the dangers of tobacco is clear and well-known after decades of warnings. We think money aimed at helping low-income Iowans afford cessation treatments and tools is well spent. But within the scope of all the state's budgetary needs and priorities, we don't see the need for a major increase in funding. We would, however, still like to see the Legislature close the loophole that allows smoking in state-licensed casinos.

The trend lines in Iowa are encouraging. The progress is unmistakable. Gradually, steadily, smoking is being snuffed out.

Comments: editorial@thegazette.com or (319) 398-8262