Attorney General's News Release

April 30, 1999

AG Nixon: Tobacco billboards are history

Springfield, MO. — Springfield witnessed the first evidence of the state's historic $6.7 billion settlement with the tobacco companies today when Attorney General Jay Nixon joined local health advocates in unveiling the first anti-smoking billboard in Greene County paid for by the tobacco industry.

The "Breath Easy" message replaces the Marlboro man on a billboard on the corner of Kansas and Olive in Springfield.

"This is a historic day for Greene County and for those in Greene County who have been leaders in the fight to see an end to deceitful tobacco ads," Nixon said. "The removal of tobacco billboards is a turning point in the history of tobacco reform efforts in the country. I am proud of this accomplishment and the bipartisan efforts of Attorneys General throughout the country. This would not have happened without the support received from health activists like those represented here today."

Nixon was joined by Dr. Jim Blaine, of Springfield, representing the Coalition on Smoking or Health and the Missouri Heart Association; Harold Bengsch, director of the Greene County Health Department; and representatives of "Breath Easy," the Springfield coalition of anti-smoking and health advocates who designed the billboard for Greene County.

This message will appear on three other billboards in Springfield. More than 170 billboards throughout Missouri will now carry various anti-smoking messages paid for by the tobacco companies as required by the tobacco settlement.

As a part of the settlement, accepted by Nixon in November and approved by the trial court judge in March, Missouri will received $6.7 billion paid for over a 25 year period. Currently, $50 million is being held in escrow to cover the first payment to the state, once the state receives final approval. Nixon said final approval is on hold for Missouri because numerous intervenors, who were rebuffed at the trial court level, are now appealing the ruling.

The appeals, however, will not delay the other reform measures of the settlement. In addition to the removal of billboards, the settlement prohibits the industry from targeting youth in any type of ads or marketing efforts; bans payments for placement of tobacco products in movies and television; and bans the distribution and sale of clothing and merchandise bearing tobacco product logos or brand names.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818