On January 20, 2011, the Legislative Budget Board released its recommendations for the state’s next biennial budget. This budget “zeroed out” the line item for the Comptroller’s Underage Tobacco Compliance Grants for fiscal 2012 and 2013, in an attempt to save almost $2 million annually of a projected $27 Billion budget shortfall for the next two year budget cycle.

NOTE: The elimination of this budget line item will not affect currently funded (FY 2011) tobacco compliance grant programs.

With remnant project funds, the Comptroller’s Office is funding FY 2012 grants to local law enforcement applicants that met their requirements for funding.  They are not currently offering school based police grant programs for FY2012.

Unfortunately, with the elimination of these funds, the Comptroller’s Office will no longer be contracting with Texas STEP to oversee these grant programs.  Texas STEP will continue working under its existing contract, through the end of August, to support FY2011 grantees.  

Please keep the following contact information so that you are prepared for this transition.

Keep Up the Good Work!

Law enforcement’s work in enforcing Texas’ tobacco laws has been essential in keeping the State of Texas in compliance with the federal Synar Amendment, which requires that states reduce the annual “buy rate” to below 20% by enacting and enforcing laws prohibiting the sale or distribution of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18.  Failure to comply with this amendment could cost the state up to 40% of its federal Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment block grant, or about $55,000,000 annually. 

We urge you to continue the great job you've been doing!

Should you have additional questions about the information provided, 
you can contact Texas STEP at 888-783-7123 until August 31^st, 2011.