RAISE CIGARETTE TAX TO FUND DRUG STRATEGY

The paper's editorial regarding Gov. Ernie Fletcher's initiative to tackle
Kentucky's drug problem expressed concern that there was no comprehensive
plan for funding the effort.

I support Fletcher and Lt. Governor Steve Pence in their efforts to create
a comprehensive drug control plan for Kentucky. In fact, I told Fletcher in
an Aug. 17 letter that I am prepared to commit the full resources of the
Attorney General's Office to aid in the thorough approach envisioned during
the Drug Summit meetings.

However, I also encouraged the governor to include a dedicated funding
source for the education-prevention, treatment and enforcement initiatives
included in his drug control strategy. The implementation of a long-term
strategy will require stable, long-term funding.

I repeated the suggestion I made at the conclusion of the Statewide Drug
Control Assessment Summit that the cigarette tax be increased from the
current 3-cents-a-pack to 6 to 9 cents.

Kentucky's cigarette tax is among the lowest in the nation and has not been
raised in more than 30 years. Virginia recently enacted a raise in its tax,
which is consistent with the national trend. I suggest that the new revenue
from such an increase be appropriated by the General Assembly and divided
equally between education-prevention, treatment and enforcement. This would
provide about $14 million to $21 million for each of the individual entities.

Such an increase will provide a revenue stream that is necessary to truly
make a dent in Fletcher's efforts to increase the number of drug courts,
expand drug treatment programs and facilities, and implement more drug
education in the schools.

Fletcher's plan to fight the drug scourge in our state is commendable, and
I look forward to working with him, as well as components of law
enforcement t hroughout Kentucky and our prosecutorial system, to develop
and integrate a truly effective, well-funded plan of attack.