Tobacco companies have paid USD 22.2 million to the state of Idaho as part of a 1998 settlement, reports KMVT.

State Attorney General Lawrence Wasden made the announcement on 19 April. The settlement stems from an agreement between tobacco companies, Idaho and other states. In the 25 years since the settlement, more than USD 200 billion has been paid to the states involved.
“The settlement in 1998 was historic based on its scope and the size of the negotiated payouts,” Wasden was quoted as saying. “Idaho continues to receive significant payments from the settlement every year. The money comes with no strings attached and can be spent by the state legislature for any state purpose.”
Payments to Idaho will continue in perpetuity. According to the report, the amount of money tobacco companies are required to pay states this year will total USD 6.6 billion.