Implementing a CDC-Plus Program
Whether the leaders of New Mexico decide to rescind the present Master Settlement Agreement and negotiate a better deal; whether they determine to take tobacco money in a single, lump-sum payment; or whether they decide to receive incremental payments through perpetuity, it is critical the state openly and aggressively takes action to contain the epidemic of tobacco addiction, illness and death.

The settlement implies New Mexico will receive approximately $1.2 billion over the first 25 years of the agreement. We are uncertain whether New Mexico will ever receive this money. We are confident of one thing: settlement money will be dwarfed by the tobacco industry's resources and resolve to promote tobacco use and addiction to New Mexico's children, teens and youth.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends New Mexico allocate at least $7.75 per person to significantly impact the epidemic of tobacco addiction and tobacco poisoning. The per person figure calculates to approximately $11.7 million in state expenditures per year. The CDC recommends New Mexico continue this programming over a period of years. While we support the general CDC position, we take issue with their guidelines for a number of reasons.

First, the CDC recommends New Mexico allocate a significant portion of the settlement money toward the tobacco problem. The tobacco epidemic is not only a state issue. The scope is national as well as worldwide. We suggest the federal government, under the direction of the CDC, match New Mexico's contribution to the epidemic dollar for dollar.

Second, money for programming will not resolve the tobacco epidemic by itself. Individual states cannot survive a "spending war" against the tobacco industry. Tobacco is an addictive product. The tobacco companies maintain great hold over users. A single state cannot compete against collective corporate greed.

Therefore, we recommend New Mexico adopt broad and comprehensive social policy to complement the CDC proposal. To effectively reduce tobacco addiction, illness and disease, we humbly suggest New Mexico enact the following policy changes:

a. Increase the legal age of tobacco consumption to 21 years. Our nation successfully made the transition to this position regarding alcohol consumption. We believe youth require greater maturity before being capable of making responsible decisions about alcohol. The magnitude of the tobacco epidemic suggests we follow a similar course for tobacco.

b. Make it illegal for youth under the legal age to possess, use or distribute tobacco products. This is a symbolic adjustment in tobacco policy. Youth must accept partial responsibility in this battle.

c. Increase the penalties for distributing to underage youth. Put teeth into tobacco control policy.

d. Fully protect children, teens and nonsmokers from second-hand smoke. We grant smokers the privilege to smoke. Nonsmokers maintain the natural right to be free from tobacco poisons.