AG Alan Wilson announces SC has received more than $84 million in tobacco settlement funds

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Attorney General Alan Wilson says South Carolina has received $84.3 million in tobacco settlement funds. In 1998, South Carolina and 45 other states settled claims against the then four major U.S. cigarette manufacturers in what amounted to the largest financial recovery in U.S. history.

The payments are to be used to help reimburse states for healthcare costs and harm caused by tobacco use. Additionally, the settlement places restrictions on the tobacco industry’s advertising and marketing.

Authorities say South Carolina has received a total of $1,748,565,581.88 in tobacco MSA payments since 1998.