MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermont has received over $23 million from tobacco manufacturers through the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, from which the state receives money annually.
The MSA was signed in 1998 alongside 51 attorneys general, and with four of the largest U.S. cigarette manufacturers like Philip Morris. This resolved a lawsuit filed in the 1990s surrounding the violation of consumer protection laws.
Attorney General Clark says that she is proud to “continue Vermont’s legacy of leadership against Big Tobacco”.
“The tobacco industry created and perpetuated a health crisis in this country which continues to harm our public health to this day. I am proud that Vermont took a stand against Big Tobacco more than thirty years ago and created a model for states to work together to hold businesses accountable for harms caused to our communities. As your Attorney General, I am proud to continue Vermont’s legacy of leadership against Big Tobacco and will continue pursuing enforcement action against companies that are perpetuating harms against our kids and our health.”
Today, Vermont has received more than $817 million since 1998, and over 45 tobacco companies are now a part of MSA. In addition to this annual payment, the MSA also imposes restrictions on certain methods of advertising, which includes marketing to underage individuals.
