February Letter to the Editor: The ALA's State of Tobacco Control Report & The Tobacco Tax

Dear Editor:

I was saddened to see Indiana’s grades in American Lung Association’s (ALA) 2025 “State of Tobacco Control” report. The report from ALA urges Indiana lawmakers to focus on increasing the tax on all tobacco products to reduce the overwhelming human and financial burdens of tobacco use. The report evaluates state and federal policies on actions taken to eliminate tobacco use and recommends proven-effective tobacco control laws and policies to prevent nicotine dependence and protect kids.

The 2025 report grades Indiana as follows:

1. Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F

2. Strength of Smoke-free Workplace Laws – Grade C

3. Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade F

4. Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade C

5. Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products – Grade F

Increasing taxes on all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use. Please contact your lawmaker to let them know you are in favor of increasing the tax on tobacco products by $2.00 per pack.

Thank you,

Nicole Otis

Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition