Editor's note: I applaud the contributors to this piece for putting pen to paper and offering their ideas to further this important discussion. We recognize that in an election year, the best laid plans may shift along with a change in administration. We believe that these perspectives and ideas can only enhance everyone's thinking and planning. Thank you!
After a hard fought legal battle with the tobacco industry, the State of Minnesota and BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota became recipients of a $6.1 billion settlement. This settlement represents reparations from the tobacco industry for violating Minnesota's antitrust and consumer protection laws.
A plan for using a small portion of the settlement to expand tobacco research and cessation services is currently being reviewed by the court. [Immediately prior to publication, on August 27, the Ramsey County District Court approved this plan. Responses to our questions were gathered prior to this decision.]
Decisions about how to use the bulk of the settlement dollars will be made by the legislature in the near future.
There are many different perspectives on what would constitute the most prudent use of these funds. Many health professionals and advocates view the settlement as an opportunity to expand and improve efforts to prevent youth from starting to use tobacco and to help current tobacco users quit. Others believe the dollars should be used to offset health care costs. And some Minnesotans believe the dollars should be used for a variety of other purposes not directly related to health.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with perspectives from nine organizations regarding the best use of settlement funds. Each of these organizations has been involved in tobacco control efforts and each plans to continue or expand their efforts in the wake of the settlement. As you will learn, these organizations share some common beliefs as well as some differences of opinion on specific strategies to employ.
The list of Minnesota organizations contributing to this article is far from exhaustive. For example, numerous local health departments are actively involved in tobacco control, prevention and cessation efforts. However, the range of perspectives offered provides a good picture of some of the key issues and decisions that will be resolved in the months ahead.
Representatives from each of the following offered their organizational perspectives to three questions:
The questions were:
Although it is difficult for anyone, our respondents included, to predict exactly how the settlement will be dispersed, we hope these answers provide an overview of the issues and concerns involved.