Tobacco Giant Wants State To Spend Money on Youth Smoking Prevention

Wednesday, December 8th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Tobacco giant Philip Morris wants the state of Oklahoma to spend one-fourth of the tobacco settlement money it receives on youth smoking prevention programs. Brendan McCormick, manager of media relations for the company, told The Daily Oklahoman today that Philip Morris is giving a similar message to officials in all 50 states.

The Oklahoman contacted McCormick after learning that the company's suggestion will be included in a bill being handled by Lexington state Senator Cal Hobson and Stilwell state Representative Larry Adair. Oklahoma is expected to receive $2.3 billion from the national tobacco settlement, with annual payments spread over 25 years. The first payment of about $24 million is due this month.

McCormick said according to recommendations, the programs could focus on effective television advertising, support of successful school-based and community-based programs and denying youth access to tobacco.