State Cuts Funding To Anti-Smoking Campaigns

Anti-smoking advocates are warning about potential consequences to cuts in state funding for programs that help smokers quit.

Funding for anti-tobacco initiatives has dropped more than 90 percent in the last 10 years.

Steve Shestakofsky of Tobacco Free Massachusetts says that's not wise, given the health costs associated with smoking.

“We are costing ourselves lots of money by not funding programs adequately that would provide smoking cessation for smokers that want to quit,” he said.

State health officials say cuts in anti-smoking programs are unfortunate, but they have managed to continue some key programs including a smokers' helpline and youth programs.