Health Foundation of South Florida

DON'T LET THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA'S CHILDREN GO UP IN SMOKE :

WINNING REASONS TO RAISE THE CIGARETTE USER FEE IN FLORIDA

A HEALTH WIN -- Reduces the number of children that will adopt this deadly lifestyle.

1,153,000 --- children (under 18) predicted to become smokers in the State of Florida
369,000 --- children who will die prematurely from smoking in Florida
692,000 -- number of kids exposed to second-hand smoke -- Source: tobaccofreekids.org

Voting for the cigarette user fee increase means that you will help lower daunting statistics while raising the opportunities for Florida's children to live healthier and longer lives.

With cigarette companies publicly admitting the effectiveness of tax or user fee increases to deter smoking, it's time for the public's voice to be heard and acted upon for better health.

Know the impact a minimal 10% increase would have?

Overall cigarette consumption would be reduced by about three to five percent, the number of young-adult smokers by 3.5 percent, and number of kids who smoke by six or seven percent.
The number of pregnant women who smoke would be reduced by seven percent, preventing thousands of spontaneous abortions and still-born births, and saving tens of thousands of newborns who suffer from smoking-affected births.

A FINANCIAL WIN --- Revenues from cigarette user fees are more predictable and not as volatile as other taxes tied to the economic or business climate.

$6.32 billion: Florida's smoking-related health care costs; not including health costs caused by exposure to secondhand smoke, smoking-caused fires, spit tobacco use, or cigar and pipe smoking
$1.2 billion --- portion covered by state Medicaid program -- Source: tobaccofreekids.org

With state economists forecasting a current year shortfall of roughly $1 billion and the Revenue Estimating Conference estimating the upcoming budget year’s deficit at an unprecedented $2.3 billion, a $1.00 increase in the cigarette user fee would provide a projected $871 million in revenues.

According to the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, "By not providing sufficient funds to meet the demands of an increasing competitive nation and world, Florida will be known a as a nice place to visit, but not to live, go to school or to conduct business."

Woman with Cigarette Exhaling Smoke Royalty Free Stock Photo

A POLITICAL WIN --- More than 70% of the public agrees with increasing the cigarette user fee.

Looking ahead, when smokers get ill due to the tobacco products they're using, taxpayers will be called upon to pay for their medical needs. With additional revenue you can help lead the way with:

• KidCare: Provide match dollars to increase number of children enrolled; make administrative improvements that would generate additional funds
• Physician Reimbursement: Increase reimbursement rates for physician services under Medicaid to Medicare levels
• Medicaid: Expand access to dental services for children & adults

A YES FOR INCREASING THE CIGARETTE USER FEE IS A VOTE FOR A HEALTHIER FLORIDA.

Health Foundation of South Florida is a community foundation in Miami that has invested more than $85 million dollars in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties to improve the health status of residents. The Foundation prioritizes projects and policies that increase access to primary care and oral health, encourages the adoption of healthy lifestyles and increases the use of preventive services. If you have any questions or would like access to relevant reports , please contact me.

Steven E. Marcus, Ed.D
President & CEO
www.HFSF.org

2 S. Biscayne Blvd | Suite 1710 | Miami, FL 33131 | Phone: 305.374.7200 | Fax: 305.374.7003