Kentucky received more than $100M this year from annual tobacco settlement agreement

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Cigarette manufacturers paid Kentucky more than $100 billion this year.

The money comes from this year's Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement payment, which changes each year based on the number of cigarettes sold in the state.

The agreement, which dates back to 1998, resolved state lawsuits against the tobacco companies for Medicaid and other health costs related to smoking. Each state decides how to allocate the settlement funds.

Kentucky uses half of the money for agricultural diversification, while the other half is split between the Early Childhood Development Fund and the Kentucky Health Care Improvement Fund.

Nearly $3 billion has been given to the state through the agreement over the last 20 years.

"These funds—nearly $3 billion—are making a real difference for Kentucky farm families and helping our kids live healthier, more fulfilling lives," Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said in a news release Friday.

Aside from the annual payment, the agreement aims to reduce underage smoking and decrease the amount of new smokers.

LMPD secures Kentucky Home Life building in downtown Louisville after gas leak

JCPS hiring blitz aims to bolster fleet of school bus drivers in Louisville

Louisville judge sets $1 million bond for man charged with murder in road rage incident