Implementing an Effective Sustainability Plan New York’s Experience Using Community, Government and Advocacy Approaches to Double Program Funding

Why Are Programs Funded People demand them Advocates demand them Special interests demand them They are in the best interest of politicians Politicians can be convinced to fund program Politicians can be coerced into funding program It’s the right thing to do

Three Sides of Influence Government Advocacy Community Community

Making the Case Within Commissioner’s Office

Opportunities to Make the Case Bill Analyses Legislative Proposals Expenditure Plans Procurements Program and Board Meetings News Reports E-mail Reports from other organizations

Making the Case in the Community Grassroots advocacy and education Voice for public health Not lobbying “Bread and butter” action for survival

Goal Maintain (or increase) funding for tobacco control programming CDC minimum for NY: $95.8 million

Justification Societal costs of tobacco are staggering Adequate investment in tobacco control works to save lives and money State funded well below “best practice” level State takes in substantial revenue from tobacco taxes and MSA Tobacco industry continues to increase spending on marketing and promotion

Targets Governor Legislators Community members/General public Health Department Legislators Community members/General public

A Simple Plan Start End

Developing the Plan October 2004 – CDC Sustaining States Mtg Program manager, lobbyist, advisory board member, two funded partners Half day learning what to do Half day developing a plan November 2004 – TCP Statewide Mtg Workshop on Sustaining States Advisory Board member, CTFK Phase I Implementation Grasstops Press events in 10 media markets

Developing the Plan August 2005 – TCP & Partners Strategy Planning TCP staff SCC – 8 contractor representatives ACS, Center for Tobacco Free NY Tobacco Free Kids January 2006 – TCP Statewide Training Phase II Implementation: Sept 2005 – April 2006 Ongoing implementation

Messaging Tobacco use causes substantial human suffering (and substantial economic costs) Tobacco control programs work To reduce the suffering In every community There is a huge unmet need to prevent and reduce tobacco use

What you will get A strong, comprehensive, well-funded, effective tobacco control program will produce One million more smokefree New Yorkers leading healthier, happier, richer lives by 2010

Community Partner Activities Who Do You Know Inventory E-Champions sign-ups Letters to the Editor Monthly Communication with Local Legislators Personal Stories Building Relationships with Media Legislative Office Visits

Summary Reports

Number of Legislative Office Visits by TCP Funded Partners, 2005 - 2006 2005 2006

Articles Mentioning NY TCP Partners, Print News Media Tracking, March 2005–February 2006

NY state funding for tobacco control Our funding has fluctuated very modestly over time, with a slight down turn in 2003 and a slight up-tick in 2005 Our largest ever appropriation was in 2005.

State ranks second for anti-smoking efforts Lung Association survey says a higher cigarette tax would make New York best in nation By CATHLEEN F. CROWLEY, Staff writer First published: Thursday, January 10, 2008 ALBANY New York ranked second in the nation for its tough anti-smoking laws, according to a study released today by the American Lung Association. The only snag preventing the state from taking first place is New York's $1.50 cigarette tax, which is lower than 15 other states, said the lung association. "A higher price for cigarettes will create an economic incentive for smokers to quit their deadly addiction, and at the same time will increase funding for tobacco control programs," said Michael Seilback, senior director of public policy for the American Lung Association of New York. The only snag preventing the state from taking first place is New York's $1.50 cigarette tax, which is lower than 15 other states, said the lung association.

Thank you. Ursula Bauer, PhD Director, Tobacco Control Program NYS Department of Health uxb03@health.state.ny.us 518-474-1515