MEDICATIONS: 'MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH' ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN

Cigarette Tax Increase Key Component

July 24, 2001 — A major breakthrough on the proposed "Senior Care" prescription drug plan benefits senior citizens and teenagers in the state of Wisconsin, according to the State Medical Society of Wisconsin (SMS of WI).

"Legislative leaders and Governor McCallum deserve our thanks for working out an agreement that will serve more than a quarter million low-income elderly people who can't afford their medicine," said Mark Andrew, M.D., President-elect of SMS of WI.

"An added side benefit for Wisconsin is that an increased cigarette tax will finance the program," Dr. Andrew said. "The evidence is clear that when cigarette taxes rise, there is a reduction in teen smoking. Congratulations to our elected leaders for helping Wisconsin seniors afford their medicine and for protecting more young people from developing tobacco-related diseases."