American Lung Association “Deeply Dismayed” at Connecticut’s Move to Suspend Funds for Tobacco and Health Trust Fund for 2025

On Tuesday, May 8th, the Connecticut State Legislature voted on HB5523, which will suspend funds allocated to the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund for 2025.   

Ruth Canovi, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Connecticut issued the following statement: 

“We are deeply dismayed by the changes made in the budget stabilizing bill which suspends funds allocated to the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund for 2025.  These funds were approved last year following more than 2 decades of cuts, sweeps and redirections of its funding since 2000.  This fund’s sole purpose is to help Connecticut residents quit tobacco addiction and prevent future generations from ever starting.  By cutting it once again, our legislators are leaving Connecticut lives at risk. 

“Connecticut receives more than $120M every year from the Master Settlement Agreement with the tobacco industry.  Using just 10% of that for prevention and cessation is a more than reasonable request, especially this year, when the state has a significant surplus. 

“Connecticut received an F grade for our funding levels in the 2024 State of Tobacco Control Report.  The CDC recommends Connecticut invest $32M annually in our state tobacco prevention and cessation program.  $0 is unacceptable.  The Tobacco and Health Trust Fund Board’s activities are just getting off the ground and they are doing an excellent job.  Governor Lamont declared in 2019 that the raiding of this fund has “gotta stop”. We agreed then and agree now. We call on Governor Lamont and the Connecticut State Legislature to reinstate the investment in our health and use funds for their intended purpose.”