Anti-Kid Smoking Group Blasts Texas Efforts

A group that targets smoking among teens is blasting Texas' use of funds in smoking-prevention programs. The group Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids says that while the Lone Star State collects almost two billion dollars a year from cigarette taxes and its settlement with big tobacco manufacturers, only about five-and-a-half million gets spent on programs to prevent youth smoking. That, says the group, amounts to less than a penny per year per child in Texas. The group ranking Texas 39th among states in spending for smoking cessation programs for youth.