AdWatch monitors the factual accuracy of ballot measure TV advertising.
ADWATCH ANALYSIS
This “Yes on 86” ad says that the measure is sponsored by the Cancer Society and the Heart and Lung Association, adding that 100 percent of Prop. 86 revenues would go to health-related programs. The ad is accurate but leaves out some important details.
What the ad says:
[Announcer]: “86 is an increase in cigarette taxes sponsored by the Cancer Society and the Heart and Lung Association. 100 percent of the funds will go to health care: smoking prevention and disease research, hospital emergency rooms, and child health programs. Prop. 86 will save lives and reduce smoking. Tobacco companies stand to lose millions if Prop. 86 passes. That’s why Big Tobacco has spent $58 million distorting facts and deceiving voters. Tobacco profits or health programs: that’s the choice. Please vote ‘yes’ on 86.”
Statement: “86 is…sponsored by the Cancer Society and the Heart and Lung Association.”
Analysis: This is accurate, but it omits the largest campaign contributor to the measure. The California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems had contributed $9.7 of the $13.2 million for Prop. 86 as of October 21, 2006. See Prop. 86 MoneyWatch for more details.
Statement: “100 percent of the funds will go to health care: smoking prevention and disease research, hospital emergency rooms, and child health programs.”
Analysis: This is accurate. All Prop. 86 revenues would fund health-related programs that fall into these four broad categories. However, not all of the money would benefit patients directly in the form of health services. A small fraction of the revenues would go to administration and evaluation of the Prop. 86 programs. See where all Prop. 86 revenues would go.
Posted: 10.31.2006
Analysis done by the Center for Governmental Studies.
