COLUMBUS — Ohio earns a mixed report card for its public policies to discourage smoking, according to the American Lung Association's State of Tobacco Control 2008 report released today, Jan. 13.

Ohio got an "A" for its indoor smoking ban that voters approved in 2006. But when it comes to items under the control of politicians, the Buckeye state gets mediocre to failing grades.

"The public gets it. The public understands the importance of tobacco control. I don't think the Legislature gets it," said Shelly Kiser, advocacy director for the American Lung Association of Ohio.

The American Lung Association graded states based on the amount they levy in cigarette taxes, how much they spend on tobacco prevention programs, what sort of insurance coverage they give to state employees and Medicaid recipients who want to quit smoking, and whether they've adopted a law banning indoor smoking in public places.

Ohio got a "C" for levying $1.25 per pack tax, an "F" for spending only $7.6 million on prevention programs, and an "F" for its insurance coverage of cessation programs.

Ohio lawmakers unsuccessfully tried to weaken the smoking ban last year but have promised to try again this year.

Twenty-three percent of adult Ohioans smoke, compared with 19.8 percent of adult Americans. The national average has fallen in recent years, but Ohio's rate has remained steady, Kiser said. "We're losing ground. The rest of the country is moving forward because they're doing some progressive things."

The American Lung Association used its report to call for more tobacco control policies that would curb smoking, including increasing the federal cigarette tax of 39 cents per pack, giving the Federal Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco, and pushing more states to adopt indoor smoking bans, increase cigarette taxes and fund cessation programs.

Contact this reporter at (614)224-1624 or lbischoff@DaytonDailyNews.com.