Another State Sues Cigarette Producers

The Pennsylvania attorney general filed a lawsuit in Harrisburg against Philip Morris Cos., RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp. and other cigarette producers, making it the 25th state to sue the tobacco industry for the costs of treating sick smokers. Atty. Gen. Mike Fisher, who said Pennsylvania’s claim could exceed $1 billion, also is charging the cigarette makers with enticing children to smoke. RJR and Philip Morris could not be immediately reached for comment. The state of California has not filed a suit, but several municipalities have, including Los Angeles County and the city of San Francisco. Separately, Missouri Atty. Gen. Jay Nixon said he plans to file suit against the companies, which would bring to 26 the number of states suing the industry.