LANSING, Mich., Aug. 19, 2004 LAWFUEL – Best of the Net for legal news, law news, law articles Attorney General Mike Cox announced today that Michigan has joined with 51 other jurisdictions in agreeing to admit General Tobacco to the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.
“This is great news to the citizens of the State of Michigan,” Cox said.
“The Attorney General’s office will battle to bring in every dollar that is
owed to the people of Michigan. This incoming money is welcome news as our
state nears its fiscal year end.”
Cox noted that now General Tobacco will be prohibited from using
billboards and most other forms of outdoor advertising, will not be able to
use brand name merchandise to promote its products, and can make only those
health claims that are supported by responsible scientific research. Michigan
will receive the $3.3 million payment before the current fiscal year ends.
“In a time when budgets are tight, I am pleased that the negotiations are
finalized and the additional resources can now be dispersed to our state,” Cox
said.
Michigan has collected over $1.6 billion from tobacco companies since the
original settlement agreement was reached in 1998. Since January 1, the
Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has collected over $270
million for the state.
