The State of Iowa is getting another 234-million dollars from the majortobacco companies. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller says the money is abonus payment from a fund set aside to reward states for their help inwinning the national tobacco lawsuit. Miller expected to get some bonusmoney, but was surprised by the amount. The bonus money comes on top of the one-point-seven billion dollar awardgiven the state in November. Miller says Iowa’s bonus award is the 12thlargest, even with a formula that based the payout on size.Miller says now that the state knows how much money its getting — they needto decide the best way to use the money.Miller wants to see the money used for a comprehensive program to keep kidsfrom smoking and help those who want to quit.Miller says this payout should be the last of the major awards from themulti-state tobacco settlement. He says there likely will be some money paidback to the state to reimburse his office for the time spent working on thecase.
Iowa's Radio News Network
