American Lung Association of California, 1985-1996

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Summary

Title:
American Lung Association of California Government Relations Office Records,
Dates:
1985-1996
Creators:
American Lung Association of California, Government Relations
Abstract:
This collection documents the activities of the American Lung Association of California's Government Relations Office, 1985-1996.
Extent:
4 cartons 5 linear ft.
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

American Lung Association of California Government Relations Office Records, MSS 98-69, Archives & Special Collections, UCSF Library & CKM

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the activities of the American Lung Association of California's Government Relations Office. The largest series deals with Proposition 99, California's landmark legislation implementing cigarette taxes, the revenues from which were to be used for tobacco education and research. This series follows Proposition 99 for its first eight years, documenting the struggles over proper funding of mandated programs and the inroads these programs made against smoking in California.

The materials relating to Proposition 188 make an excellent case study of a political fight over public health. Philip Morris was the main sponsor of the ballot measure, which was advertised as a strong anti-smoking law, when it actually would have preempted more restrictive local ordinances. The American Lung Association joined with other groups to lead a strong grass-roots effort that eventually defeated the bill, despite massive spending by the tobacco industry. Proposition 188 materials include strategy documents, campaign materials, pro-188 mailings, polls, and the Yes on 188 campaign disclosure statement.

Other records in this collection relate to California tobacco legislation, including cigarette taxes, anti-smoking laws, and tobacco advertising. Also included is information about non-legislative anti-tobacco programs, as well as studies relating to tobacco use and the tobacco industry.

Biographical / historical:

Founded in 1904, the American Lung Association (ALA) of California is a state division of the national organization. ALA fights lung disease through education, community service, advocacy and research. They have assumed a leading role in the fight against tobacco, helping smokers to quit, encouraging children not to start smoking, and protecting nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. The organization actively presses for improved government standards for air quality and funds research grants, enabling medical scientists around the country to seek the causes of lung disease and develop more effective treatments and cures.

The Government Relations Office of ALA of California is the lobbying arm of the state organization. It aggressively campaigns for stronger anti-tobacco legislation and attempts to defeat measures backed by the tobacco industry.

Acquisition information:
The American Lung Association of California donated the records to the library in 1998.
Physical location:
Archives

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by Julie Kerssen.
Date Prepared:
© 2002
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid created by UCSC OAC Unit.Date of source: June 1999.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the Library and Center for Knowledge Management. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Library and Center for Knowledge Management as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Preferred citation:

American Lung Association of California Government Relations Office Records, MSS 98-69, Archives & Special Collections, UCSF Library & CKM

Location of this collection:
UCSF Library & CKM Archives and Special Collections, 530 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143-0840, US