Lung Association Applauds Governor Parson for $2.5M to Address Youth Vaping, Tobacco Use in FY23 Budget

On January 19, Missouri Governor Michael Parson released his budget for the fiscal year 2023, which includes $2.5 million for smoking cessation. The American Lung Association in Missouri’s Senior Advocacy Manager, Laura Turner, issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s budget:

“Governor Parson’s inclusion of $2.5 million for smoking cessation focuses on developing a youth vaping prevention campaign and tobacco prevention and cessation programs to reduce tobacco use and improve overall health outcomes. The Lung Association thanks Governor Parson for his continued commitment to reduce vaping among youth in Missouri and to prevent people in the state from using tobacco products.

“Increasing funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs has been the Lung Association’s top legislative priority for years. Governor Parson’s action to recognize the state’s need for additional funding is a step in the right direction to support the health of our communities in Missouri.”

According to the 2021 “State of Tobacco Control Report,” Missouri received failing grades for funding for state tobacco prevention programs, strength of smokefree air laws, level of state tobacco taxes and ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products.