Increasing Public Health Funding in Indiana: A Call for Action

Dec.19.2022
Increasing Public Health Funding in Indiana: A Call for Action
Indiana needs more funding for public health to improve its poor healthcare rankings, including raising cigarette taxes.

The Public Health Committee of Indiana recently released a major recommendation stating that there is an urgent need to increase national funding for public health.


This is a significant component of their efforts to improve Indiana's healthcare plan. In fact, he suggests increasing funding from the current $55 per person to the national average of $91 per person. While this may not be enough, it is a good starting point.


Historically, the Indiana legislative body has placed public health funding at a very low priority. According to the United Health Foundation's rankings of state health, Indiana ranks 45th (or possibly 48th according to some sources). This is unfortunately a longstanding tradition in Indiana.


The report indicates that Indiana's lack of public health funding is reflected in our poor health outcomes. Indiana has consistently ranked in the bottom 10 for key health measures, resulting in unacceptable human and economic losses. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Indiana ranks 40th in life expectancy.


It is time to reconsider increasing cigarette taxes once again, not only to deter smoking, but also to provide new revenue to fund many of the proposed initiatives recommended by the committee. This is a clear source of funding.


For the past 25 years, I have called for an increase in cigarette taxes numerous times, yet how many times has the legislature failed to act? The tobacco industry's influence on Indiana lawmakers is dark and profound, often existing indirectly through entities representing it. The first thing I learned in politics is to never expect politicians to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing. It's time to muster political courage and raise cigarette taxes during the upcoming budget conference. It's that simple." said the governor.


The cigarette tax in Indiana is currently 95 cents per pack, with the last increase occurring in 2007. This is significantly lower than the national average of $1.91 per pack. In comparison, neighboring states have higher cigarette taxes with Michigan at $2 per pack, Ohio at $1.60, Illinois at $2.98, Wisconsin at $2.52, and even tobacco-producing state Kentucky at $1.10 per pack. These states have recognized that increasing cigarette taxes can reduce smoking rates, increase cessation rates, deter youth from starting smoking, and increase revenue.


Indiana has some catching up to do. Despite a decrease in smoking rates due to tax increases, economic research has never shown that tax revenue will decrease, even in the highest cigarette tax states such as New York and Connecticut where it is $4.35 per pack.


It is widely known from multiple authoritative sources that increasing cigarette taxes may be the most effective single strategy in reducing smoking rates. When combined with comprehensive and multi-faceted state prevention and cessation programs, it is particularly effective, but such programs have stalled due to lack of funding in Indiana.


According to the American Lung Association, for every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes, adult consumption decreases by approximately 4% and youth consumption decreases by approximately 7%.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

SMISS: Large-Puff E-Cigarettes are the Mainstream in Dubai
SMISS: Large-Puff E-Cigarettes are the Mainstream in Dubai
The World Vape Show took place in Dubai from June 21-23, featuring interviews with key exhibitors and insights into the market.
Events
Jun.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
E-cigarettes increase smoking cessation success rate, study finds
E-cigarettes increase smoking cessation success rate, study finds
Researchers at King's College London found vaping increased success rate of quitting smoking to 65%.
Oct.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan's Shinkansen Trains to Implement Full Smoking Ban
Japan's Shinkansen Trains to Implement Full Smoking Ban
All Shinkansen trains operated by JR Tokai, JR West Japan, and JR Kyushu will gradually eliminate smoking rooms starting next spring.
Regulations
Oct.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Turkish Police Seize Illegal Tobacco in Aksehir Province Raid
Turkish Police Seize Illegal Tobacco in Aksehir Province Raid
Turkish police raid illegal cigarette warehouse in Aksaray province, seizing 17,540 illegal cigarettes, smuggled tobacco, and e-cigarettes.
Oct.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA weighs oversight changes after formula, Juul troubles
FDA weighs oversight changes after formula, Juul troubles
FILE - U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf testifies during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on the nationwide baby formula shortage on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 26, 2022. Califf said Tuesday, July 19, 2022, that he has commissioned an independent review of the FDA's food and tobacco programs following months of criticism over its handling of the baby formula shortage and e-cigarette reviews.
Regulations
Jul.20
TPE24 Showcases Innovative Nicotine and Caffeine Products
TPE24 Showcases Innovative Nicotine and Caffeine Products
The US TPE24 Tobacco Exhibition opened in Las Vegas on January 31, showcasing various innovative nicotine and caffeine pouch products.
Events
Feb.01 by 2FIRSTS, edited by Sophia