Vermont has received $23,132,483.92 from tobacco manufacturers as part of the ongoing payments under the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), according to an announcement by Attorney General Charity Clark. These funds are allocated annually and deposited into Vermont's Tobacco Fund, with spending determined by the state legislature.
Attorney General Clark remarked on the enduring impact of tobacco companies: "The tobacco industry created and perpetuated a health crisis in this country which continues to harm our public health to this day." She expressed pride in Vermont's historical stance against major tobacco companies, stating, "I am proud that Vermont took a stand against Big Tobacco more than thirty years ago."
The MSA was established on November 23, 1998, when attorneys general from 51 states and territories signed the agreement with four major cigarette manufacturers, including Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds. This settlement addressed violations of consumer protection laws and sought compensation for healthcare costs related to smoking-related illnesses. Since its inception, over 45 tobacco companies have joined the MSA.
Significant restrictions are placed on advertising and marketing practices by participating manufacturers under the MSA. The agreement requires these companies to make annual payments to the settling states as long as cigarettes remain sold in the United States. To date, more than $170 billion has been distributed across these states.
Attorney General Clark continues to uphold Vermont’s leadership role against Big Tobacco. Last year, she was appointed co-chair of the National Association of Attorneys General’s “Tobacco Committee.” In this capacity, she leads efforts to enforce and improve the MSA while addressing broader tobacco-related issues such as vaping.
Clark has criticized the vaping industry for targeting youth with addictive nicotine products like flavored vapes. Vermonters can report instances of underage sales of tobacco or nicotine products through a link provided by her office.