It may seem like a good idea to use part of the tobacco endowment to help alleviate Minnesota $3 billion state deficit.

However, considering the fact that smoking, particularly smoking among young adults, is still a major health problem in Minnesota, the Legislature ought to use the tobacco endowment for what it was intended to do -- assist smokers in quitting and discourage youths from starting.

Nearly one-third of those between the ages of 18 and 34 are smokers, a number that has risen in the past four years, according to a study by the State Department of Health.

It's an alarming statistic, considering that, unlike older adults, those between 18 and 34 are likely well-aware of the dangers of smoking. In other words, many adults know smoking is bad for them, but decide to start anyway.

Something has to be done. And while the answer to reducing the numbers of smokers may not be available now, it could be likely that funding will be necessary to help reverse the trend.

The leading cause of lung cancer, expensive and non-productive, smoking is a habit most people not only would like to, but need to break.

And until the number of smokers are reduced, it's nice to know Minnesota has some resources to help the fight.