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Minnesota taxpayers losing money due to smokers

By Staff Writer

Nearly 87 percent of lung cancer deaths have been traced back to an exposure to cigarettes, according to Smoking Statistics, a substance abuse resource site. Rehabilitation facilities can help individuals quit their addiction to nicotine, but many smokers still choose to neglect the resources.

Minnesota residents appear to be suffering from the consequences, according to a new report by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Research shows that more than 5,100 people die from cigarettes every year in the state. Approximately $2.8 billion in taxpayer money is spent to treat diseases related to smoking.

Experts say that the staggering costs of cigarette usage are unreasonable, considering that it is a preventable cause of disease and death. With the money taxpayers in Minnesota spend to treat medical conditions related to smoking, the state could create 72,000 new jobs at salaries of $40,000. Approximately 12 new bridges could be built with the money as well.

More than 3,000 teenagers try cigarettes every day and eventually become regular smokers, according to Smoking Statistics. Rehabilitation facilities can help nicotine addicts kick the habit.