HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09151987 - 1.24 py
J/ �yOARD OF SUPERVISORS —024
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FROM: Mark Fi nucane Contra
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PATE: August 31 , 1987 Cx.JJIa
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SUBJECT: Endorsement of Tobacco Tax , Coalition for a Healthy Cal i f o r n i a
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SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND Alm JUSTIFICATION
I . RECOMMENDED ACTION : Endorse the Coalition for a Healthy
California ' s (CHC-T to implement a statewide ballot initiative
which will increase the tax in California on each pack of cigaret-
tes sold from the current $ . 10 to $ .35, and to place an equiva-
lent tax on other tobacco products . The CHC is comprised of
statewide health and community organizations under the combined
leadership of the American Cancer Society, American Lung
Association , and California Medical Association . Some of its
representation includes : Blue Cross of California, California
Dental Association, Planning and Conservation League, California
Thoracic Society, California Assembly, California Hospital
Association and Health Officers ' Association of California.
II . FINANCIAL IMPACT : Revenues from the increased tobacco tax may
channel resources to the local level to alleviate the costs of
health care for smokers ( and victims of second-hand smoke ) and
generate money for education and prevention efforts . There will
be no drain on the County budget .
III . REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION/BACKGROUND : Smoking is the single most
preventable cause of death and disease in America. Over 300, 000
will die of their smoking habit in 1987 . Approximately 30 , 000 of
those will be Californians . Many more will suffer from smoking-
related diseases . A growing body of medical evidence estimates
that thousands of healthy non-smokers will die of lung cancer
caused by second-hand smoke . CHC ' s overall goal is to dramati -
cally reduce smoking . A Harvard study, looking at a proposed
federal increase in the cigarette tax , concluded that a $. 16 raise
would lead to a 17% drop in teenage smoking .
Another objective of the CHC is to help meet and reduce the ove.rall
societal costs of smoking . Mid-range estimates of the costs of
smoking are placed at $65 billion dollars annually; $22 billion in
health care costs and $43 billion in lost productivity. This
translates into a societal cost of $2 . 17 per pack of cigarettes
sold ; a bill covered through higher taxes , insurance premiums and
product costs . The tobacco tax can be seen as a type of "user ' s
fee" for smokers .
X
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT; YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S): p
ACTION OF BOARD ON September -.1.5-, 1907 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER X
REFERRED to County Administrator to review County' s options for
participation in an information/education program relative to
the ballot initiative .
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT LV AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
cc: County Administrator ATTESTED P 5 1987
Health Services PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
Prevention Program - M. Ashe SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
J �
M382/7-83 BY DEPUTY
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-2-
The CHC is proposing that revenues raised from this fee be ear-
marked for easing the health care burden , medical research, health
promotion programs through schools and other community settings ,
and to help reduce the non-health impacts of smoking ( i . e. fire,
litter ) .
Presently, there are only six states that have a lower tax than
California, four of which are major tobacco producers . The last
time California increased its tax was 20 years ago, in 1967 . Only
one state, Virginia, has a longer history of no change.
Endorsement by the Board will assist the CHC in gathering the
needed signatures to qualify the tobacco tax increase for a ballot
initiative. The Board ' s long-standing commitment to health promo-
tion and smoking prevention coincides with CHC ' s proposed ballot
initiative which is one more step towards the goal of a smoke-free
society.
IV . CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION :
Not applicable.