Mar. 13, 2003

Tobacco-Settlement Money Follows Political Priorities

Forum Column - By Jeffrey A. Modisett - Kudos to Ann Woolner for her article describing the states' raiding of the 1998 Master Settlement Tobacco Funds ("Many States Misuse Funds From Tobacco Settlement," Forum, Jan. 15). As a participant in the negotiations leading up to the tobacco settlement, I share Woolner's concerns and frustrations. First, though, the good news: Teen smoking rates have fallen 20 percent in the last four years.