By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-900373.mp3
Albany, NY – A broad coalition of health and consumer groups say cuts to the New York State budget have serious consequences... Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Advocates say the Department of Health's TCP (Tobacco Use, Prevention and Control Program) has lost much of its effectiveness after a taking a 30 million dollar budget cut over the last two years, and the smoking rate among New Yorkers has risen. The TCPs budget WAS about 85 and a half million dollars in 2007, reduced to 55 million by 2009. The budget cuts led to a domino effect: a 30 per cent reduction in the number of anti-smoking ads on TV, followed by a 25 per cent drop in awareness of anti-smoking messages among smokers. The Smoker's Quitline reported a 45 per cent reduction in calls during the first three months of 2010 vs. the same period last year, contributing to a 50 per cent reduction in the number of free Nicotine patch starter kits given to smokers trying to quit. The advocates are pleading with lawmakers to adopt Governor Paterson's initial proposal and fund the TCP at 63-point-4 million dollars in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.