CBS Atlanta 46Georgia gets a failing grade on annual State of Tobacco Control report

The American Lung Association's tenth annual State of Tobacco Control report shows a  mix of progress and backsliding as it monitors progress on key tobacco control policies.

The report assigns grades to assess whether laws are effectively protecting citizens from the terrible health burden caused by tobacco use.

The state report cards for 2011 were filled with "F's."

Only four states received all passing grades, while six states received straight "F's."

In the 2011 session of the Georgia Legislature, pressed to increase Georgia's cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack.

The economic downturn required severe budget cuts, and there were calls for tax reform from across the state.

Georgia's report card:

Tobacco Prevention: 
Grade: F
•FY2012 State Funding for Tobacco Control Programs: $2,040,172
•FY2012 Federal Funding for State Tobacco Control Programs: $3,232,272*
•FY2012 Total Funding for State Tobacco Control Programs: $5,272,444
•CDC Best Practices State Spending Recommendation: $116,500,000
•Percentage of CDC Recommended Level: 4.5%

Smokefree Air:
Grade: C
•Government Workplaces: Prohibited
•Private Workplaces: Restricted
•Schools: Prohibited
•Childcare Facilities: Prohibited
•Restaurants: Restricted
•Bars: Restricted
•Casinos/Gaming Establishments: N/A
•Retail Stores: Restricted
•Recreational/Cultural Facilities: Prohibited
•Penalties: Yes
•Enforcement: Yes
•Preemption: No

Cessation:
Grade: F
•Medications: Covers all 7 recommended cessation medications* for pregnant women only
•Counseling: Covers individual counseling for pregnant women only
•Barriers to Coverage: Limits on duration, only one quit attempt allowed per pregnancy, use of some medications required before using others and use of counseling required to get medications

Click here to see how other states did.

Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved. www.lungusa.org  contributed to this report.