AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s latest report card on tobacco use is getting mixed reviews from a leading anti-smoking group.
The American Lung Association of Maine, whose report card is being released Thursday, says it’s pleased with Maine’s A grade for protecting people from secondhand smoke. It also noted Maine’s grade for helping smokers quit improved from C to B.
But it’s disappointed with the C Maine gets for not having a higher cigarette tax. The lung association wants the state’s $2 per pack tax increased by $1.50.
Maine also gets a C for tobacco prevention and control funding.
The lung association’s Diane Haskell says Maine’s the only state that’s earned straight-As on the tobacco score card, and needs to get back on track.