    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 13 (Monday, April 5, 1999)]
    [Page 569]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Results From a Florida Youth Antismoking Program

    April 1, 1999

        Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is publishing
    promising new results from the youth antismoking program launched by the
    late Florida Governor Lawton Chiles. The study shows that in just one
    year, smoking has declined by 19 percent among middle school students
    and by 8 percent among high schoolers. These results show why every
    State should have a comprehensive program to reduce youth smoking and
    why I oppose any legislation waiving the Federal Government's claim to
    tobacco settlement funds without making a commitment from the States to
    fund such efforts. Without such a commitment, States won't have to spend
    a single penny of the $246 billion settlement to reduce youth smoking.
    We must act now: Every day 3,000 children become regular smokers, and
    1,000 will have their lives cut short as a result.

    Note: This statement was embargoed for release by the Office of the
    Press Secretary until 4 p.m.