Jennifer K. Ibrahim, PhD¹, Andrew Wessel, MS¹, and Stanton A. Glantz, PhD². (1) Center for Tobacco Control Research & Education, University of California, San Francisco, 530 Parnassus Ave. Suite 366, San Francisco, CA 94143-1390, 415-476-0813, ibrahim@itsa.ucsf.edu, (2) University of California, San Francisco, Center for Tobacco Control Research & Education, 530 Parnassus Ave., Suite 366, San Francisco, CA 94143-1390

Objective: To describe recent attempts to pass tobacco control policies in Nebraska including a cigarette tax increase, a local smokefree workplace ordinance and secure funding for tobacco control efforts. Methods: Information on tobacco control policymaking was gathered through a review of internal tobacco industry documents, newspaper articles and reports, and interviews with key players including health advocates and government officials. Results: In 2002, a large budget deficit helped tobacco control advocates pass a $0.30 cigarette excise tax increase. However, none of the revenue were dedicated to tobacco control efforts. While focused on the tax increase, health advocates did not pay enough attention to impending cuts in tobacco control funding. In 2003, the budget deficit forced a 94% cut to the budget of Tobacco Free Nebraska, the state’s tobacco control coalition. Elected officials provided political cover for themselves by stating their support for Tobacco Free Nebraska but then argued over the funding source thus allowing the program to be cut. At the local level, a similar pattern of near successes has been seen. In 2003, Lincoln-Lancaster County attempted to pass Nebraska’s first local smokefree workplace ordinance. However, the tobacco industry and its ally, the hospitality industry, pressured the City Council into passing a confusing ordinance that was weakened by exempting bars and allowing “smoking rooms;” a final interpretation of this ordinance is still being considered. Conclusion: Despite serious attempts by health advocates in Nebraska to pass meaningful tobacco control policies, efforts continue to fall short. Persistence and follow through are necessary to defeat the tobacco industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the tobacco control efforts pursued by health advocate in Nebraska at both the state and local levels.
• Analyze the effectiveness of strategies used by health advocates to purse tobacco control measures in Nebraska.
• Learn how alternative strategies can be implemented in similar situations to further the progress of tobacco control in Nebraska.

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Tobacco Control

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.