Report critical of PA's efforts to curb tobacco use

(Washington) -- In a new report, an advocacy group is critical of Pennsylvania's efforts to curb tobacco use.

The American Lung Association gives the commonwealth two failing grades for quit smoking as well as tobacco prevention and cessation efforts.

The state picks up two "C" grades for its cigarette tax and smoke-free workplace law.

The nonprofit's Thomas Carr says The state has enough money to increase its anti-tobacco efforts.

"Pennsylvania collects $1.4 billion in tobacco settlement payments and tobacco taxes, but only spends about $14 million of that tobacco prevention and education programs and otherwise fight tobacco use," Carr says "We really do think that number could be higher."

Carr says his group is calling on the commonwealth to spend about $155 million every year on anti-tobacco programs.

He says the state sees almost $9.5 billion in health care costs and lost productivity due to tobacco use each year.