HB 6974, An Act Concerning The Use Of Funds In The Tobacco Settlement Fund

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

Friday, February 21, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 6974, An Act Concerning The Use Of Funds In The Tobacco Settlement Fund. CHA supports this bill.
Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

HB 6974 would require annual funding of the state’s tobacco control programs at the amount recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), currently at $32 million.

CHA supports strong tobacco control measures, whether through municipal ordinances, workplace policies, or state and federal laws. On a daily basis, caregivers in Connecticut hospitals see firsthand the impact of tobacco-related disease and illness and, because of this, CHA wholeheartedly endorses common sense public policy initiatives that seek to prevent and mitigate the harmful effects of tobacco use, such as the funding recommendations in HB 6974.
The best way to reduce health-associated harm caused by smoking is to abstain from smoking altogether or, at a minimum, delay the start of smoking. For far too long, Connecticut has not adequately funded and at times has not funded programs focused on tobacco use prevention and reduction. Increased funding as proposed in HB 6974 for tobacco control and prevention would go a long way in ensuring programs and services are provided in communities throughout the state.

Increased funding for tobacco control programs to prevent and reduce tobacco use is a logical step in the state’s tobacco control initiatives, following the passage of Tobacco 21 (T21) and the reestablishment of the state’s Tobacco Trust Fund. CHA looks forward to working with members of this committee in securing passage of this important public health policy initiative.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.