North Dakota smoking ban boosts tobacco control grades

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The passage by North Dakota voters last November of a comprehensive indoor smoking ban has boosted the state's grades in an annual tobacco "report card" from the American Lung Association.

North Dakota got two A grades — for smoke-free air and for funding tobacco control and prevention programs above the federally recommended amount. Last year the state got a C for smoke-free air.

Two other grades remained unchanged over the year — a C for helping state employees and North Dakotans on Medicare quit smoking and an F for the state's cigarette tax.

South Dakota's grades remained unchanged from last year. The state got a B for smoke-free air, a C for its cigarette tax, a D for cessation programs and an F for tobacco prevention and control funding.

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