Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed restructured funding of dozens of health programs in his 2013-14 budget proposal is troubling ("Anti-smoking groups assail budget," Jan. 28). This proposal would remove line item funding for essential programs including tobacco control and asthma programs.
Recently, the American Lung Association released its State of Tobacco Control Report 2013. It grades states on their policies to protect residents from tobacco. With an "F" grade for both tobacco control spending and cessation coverage, it's clear that New York must invest more in these areas that have been proven to help smokers quit and prevent kids from starting to smoke.
This is akin to the health program funding version of "The Hunger Games:" It asks for vital health programs to compete against each other for a smaller pot of funding. If approved, it is certain to leave many health programs dealing with major cuts and a detrimental effect on public health.
This proposal asks the Tobacco Control Program to fight for a sliver of a pie that's too small to address public health challenges. We must have a budget that not only commits needed dollars to counter the millions Big Tobacco spends luring our kids into addiction, disease and death, but a budget that invests in a program that will reduce tobacco use. However you look at the governor's proposal, it means a cut for tobacco control in a state where tobacco is responsible for 25,000 deaths each year. New Yorkers deserve better.
MICHAEL SEILBACK
Vice president
American Lung Association of the Northeast
Albany