Feb 11, 2025 - Politics
Georgia earns an 'F' on anti-smoking spending
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Georgia is spending 4% of what the feds suggest it should on anti-tobacco efforts, a new report says.
Why it matters: Cigarette smoking remains the country's leading cause of preventable deaths, causing one in five of all U.S. deaths, according to the CDC.
State of play: Georgia allocated $4.3 million on smoking cessation efforts in fiscal 2025 — far less than funding levels recommended by the CDC, an American Lung Association "State of Tobacco Control" report shows.
- Georgia was one of 40 states that earned an F from the ALA for anti-smoking funding.
- The state also earned a failing grade for smoking restrictions, taxes, access for cessation services and banning flavored tobacco.
Zoom out: Maine (107.4%), Utah (90.2%) and Oklahoma (89.8%) lead the nation in meeting or exceeding the CDC's recommended spending for tobacco prevention and cessation (quitting), per the report.
- Texas (3.6%), Georgia (4%) and Tennessee (4.8%) are furthest from their CDC-recommended levels.
- That's based on allocated spending for fiscal year 2025.