The American Lung Association is giving the State of Texas all "F"s in its latest “State of Tobacco Control” report.
The report ranks states in five areas related to efforts to end tobacco usage: funding for tobacco-prevention programs, smoke-free air laws, tobacco excise taxes, access to tobacco cessation treatments and laws to end the sale of flavored tobacco products.
"Unfortunately, Texas received all failing grades in each of those five categories," said Charlie Gagen, Advocacy Director for Texas for the American Lung Association.
While most large cities in the state have adopted their own ordinances regulating smoking indoors in public places, "unfortunately, the State of Texas has not," Gagen said. "When you think about the rural nature and unincorporated areas of Texas, that's nearly a third of all Texans who can only be covered by a state-wide, smoke-free indoor air ordinance."
He also says Texas has fallen behind other states in raising taxes on cigarettes.
"Texas last raised its cigarette tax in 2006. So back then, we were ahead of the curve - but we have since fallen well behind the back," he said.
The American Lung Association is calling on Texas lawmakers to impose new regulations on flavored tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
"Flavored tobacco products are one of the key ways that gets kids hooked on tobacco products, and so we're asking state lawmakers to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the state," Gagen said.
While Texas got a grade of "F" in all five categories, along with North Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama, Gagen says the American Lung Association is believes there is a good chance for improvement when state lawmakers return for their next regular session.
"Texas has seen progress in the past few years, specifically bipartisan support in raising the age of sale to 21 for tobacco products. Just this past session, State Senator Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) led the effort to license e-cigarette retailers," Gagen said. "We're optimistic that when lawmakers re-convene in 2023, they will give the e-cigarette epidemic among our youth the focus it deserves."
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