Ohio Judge Extends Freeze On Use Of Former Tobacco Foundation Funds

This week a judge in Franklin County extended a freeze on the use of $230 million in tobacco settlement money that has been under dispute for months. Once targeted for tobacco cessation and prevention programs, the money was diverted last year by policymakers toward high-tech industry development as part of the state’s $1.57 billion economic stimulus plan. The ruling from Judge David Fais extends a ruling issued last year over the status of the money. Members of anti-tobacco groups filed suit stating that the cash and the use of the money. In the decision, the judge said the state is “enjoined from enforcing, implementing or otherwise acting on any provision of H.B. 544, or the repealed portions of Amended S.B. 192, relating to the moneys in the Endowment Fund or the Legacy contract until the court enters final judgment following trial on the merits.”

The Investing in Tobacco Free Youth Coalition, of which the AMCNO is an active participant, is continuing to monitor this decision closely. The Coalition is also working with Ohio legislators to introduce bills in both the Ohio Senate and Ohio House that would increase the tobacco tax on certain products to allow for a portion of the tax to go toward tobacco prevention efforts. The AMCNO will continue to provide information to our members on these issues in the future.