Group appeals to keep Ohio tobacco funds on track

COLUMBUS (AP) — An anti-smoking group is appealing to the Ohio Supreme Court to stop the state from diverting tens of millions of dollars set aside to prevent tobacco use.

The American Legacy Foundation says it wants the state’s highest court to reverse last week’s ruling from a lower court. It said the state could find other uses for $230 million in tobacco settlement money and an additional $28 million in interest.

Ohio officials want to put the funds toward expanded health care for children and optional Medicaid services.

The foundation says it believes it has a “moral imperative” to make sure the money is spent to fight tobacco, as intended.

Gov. Ted Strickland tells The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer he believes the group’s appeal is “selfish and self-serving.”