SC Fails On Smoking Prevention Efforts

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – A new report says South Carolina is one of the worst states in the country in efforts to prevent smoking.

The State newspaper reported Tuesday that the American Lung Association says South Carolina is one of six states that get all “F’s” on efforts to cut down on smoking.

The report rates states on tobacco control spending, helping smokers quit, smoke-free air laws and rules and taxing cigarettes.

The other states with all failing grades were Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia.

South Carolina lawmakers this year are again expected to consider raising the state’s 7-cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes. That’s the lowest in the country.

The House approved a 50-cents per pack increase last year, but lawmakers couldn’t agree on how to spend the expected $147 million the increase would generate.