A new report out from the American Lung Association gives New Hampshire a failing grade on smoking prevention efforts.
The state received a 'D' on smoke-free zones in public spaces, an 'F' on tobacco prevention spending, and a 'C' on cessation efforts.
Lee Gilman, Senior Director with the Association, says the state also needs to rethink its low tobacco tax.
"By increasing the cost of cigarettes, because youths are so price sensitive, that has the public health impact that we are really looking for."
Gilman is pushing for a full $1 dollar increase in the tax, though that’s unlikely to happen.
Last session, lawmakers took the rare step of cutting the tax by a dime. That cut will sunset this summer, something Governor Hassan says she supports.
