|
News Release |
| PO 360 Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 | Christine Grant Commissioner |
| For Release: February 15, 2000 | For Further
Information Contact: Rita Manno Dennis McGowan (609) 984-7160 |
"I am very pleased that the final roadblock has been cleared and New Jersey can now begin collecting its share of the national tobacco settlement. I look forward to putting a significant portion of these funds to work convincing kids not to smoke and helping those who are already addicted to become ex-smokers.
We have a strategic long-term plan for our tobacco control program. It includes funds for a youth anti-smoking awareness media campaign; community-based tobacco control programs; youth tobacco control activities; smoking cessation and treatment programs for addicted adults and youth; and program evaluation, surveillance, research and administration.
Tobacco companies have spent billions of dollars telling our kids there is nothing wrong with smoking. This settlement and the resources it has created for anti-smoking and other health initiatives will help states level the playing field. Our kids will now hear the truth about tobacco -- it's unhealthy, unattractive and a waste of time and money."