Once a model for the nation/ Now middle of the pack!

Miss. listed 27th in nation for funding tobacco prevention
The report called for the implementation of tobacco control measures. Those included prevention programs, higher tobacco taxes and smoke-free workplace laws.

"The report — released Wednesday — also found that tobacco companies spend $183 million a year on marketing in Mississippi, almost 23 times the state funding for tobacco prevention."

Links to: Rankings & Full Report

Jack Gordon on the Cigarette tax

From the AP:

Lawmakers have suggested the creation of a funding source for Medicaid, most likely through a tax. But legislation to reduce Mississippi's 7 percent grocery tax and increase the excise tax on cigarettes have failed in previous sessions. And, Barbour has repeatedly said he's against raising taxes.

"There's a lot of states that have used the tobacco tax increase to (fund Medicaid)," Jack Gordon said. "We have not had very good success at taxes so I don't know if that's a viable source or not to get that passed."

Could Cigarette Tax Fund Medicaid?

It could if you ask House Public Health Committee Chairman Steve Holland.

Holland said lawmakers will look at health care providers and how the agency can better deliver services. He also said creating a revenue source, through taxes or fee assessments, also will be considered.

"The tobacco tax would not solve this problem, but it would come close better than anything else," Holland said, referring to an unsuccessful legislative proposal to raise the state's tobacco excise tax and reduce the grocery tax.

Link:Medicaid funding shortage could lead to service cuts

A $1.00 cigarette tax increase would provide Mississippi with $165.3 million annually in additional revenue.