COLUMBUS, Ohio (Map, News) - A judge has ruled against the dismissal of a lawsuit by a Washington-based foundation claiming a portion of Ohio's tobacco use prevention funds.

The ruling Thursday keeps alive the American Legacy Foundation's claim to $190 million of the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation's funds. The Ohio foundation was dissolved this week after Gov. Ted Strickland signed a bill transferring its remaining $40 million in funds to the state Department of Health.

Strickland and legislative leaders took $230 million from the prevention foundation as part of a package to try to spur the economy. They dissolved the foundation once it balked at having its money taken.

The American Legacy Foundation got involved when the Ohio foundation tried to transfer funds to it before it was dissolved this week.

---

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

5:42 AM MST on Mon., Apr. 14, 2008 re: "PERSPECTIVE: State leaders turn to smoking money to ease deficit"

Examiner Reader said:
How funny. The state doesn't want people to quit smoking - it's an important source of tax money. Not to mention that smokers don't need government services when they die early of cancer.

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree