(Columbia) Jan. 6, 2004 - The American Lung Association says most states fail when it comes to how they handle tobacco issues, including how they've spent billions of dollars from a tobacco settlement. A new poll Wednesday indicates that South Carolinians want more done about their failing grade.

Seventy percent of people polled say the state doesn't spend enough money on tobacco related disease prevention. Ninety-two percent say they want more state tobacco settlement money to be spent on treating and curing tobacco illnesses. And 71 percent want a hike in the tax on tobacco products with additional funds to be used for prevention research.

The poll was a joint effort by the non-profit group Research America, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.

The report, released Tuesday by the association, gives 38 states, including South Carolina, a grade of "F" for failing to fund tobacco prevention and control programs even after receiving shares of a health care settlement with the tobacco industry.

The report graded states in four categories. South Carolina got a failing grade in all four categories. One of just six states to receive the dubious honor. South Carolina is ranked 44th for smoke free air, 47th for kids getting access to cigarettes and 43rd for tobacco prevention spending.

Greg White with the SC chapter of the American Lung Association says the Palmetto State stands at the top of the ten most disappointing states because of cuts in prevention programs, "Right now we're spending $1 million. The CDC recommends we spend $23 million to be effective."

The state also has one of the lowest taxes on cigarettes at seven cents a pack. A tax rate that has been in place since the 1970's. The Lung Association says taxes play a key role in prevention, pointing to studies that show a ten percent increase in the tax reduces youth smoking by seven percent and adult smoking by four percent. Still, White knows tobacco issues in the Palmetto State can be tough, "It's always an uphill battle in South Carolina. Any tobacco policy is an uphill battle."

White says South Carolina has also failed in its use of tobacco settlement money, "The tobacco settlement money didn't go to where many thought it would go. It went to tobacco farmers and economic needs."

New York scored best, receiving "A" grades in three of the four. Fifteen states received an "A" in at least one of four categories.To find out how other states fared, go to LungAction.org.

In September, The National Women's Law Center study flunked South Carolina, this time one of 39 states, for tobacco control policies. Nevada and Kentucky tied for last place. South Carolina ranked 39th in the nation.

Reporting by Megan Hughes

Updated 3:35pm by Eva Pilgrim