Funding to stop teen smoking goes repaid out in North Carolina.

Lawmakers eliminated most of the money for anti-tobacco program statewide, and that means a huge reduction in Mecklenburg County.

Caroline Debello is to increase the Myers Park senior. This fall, the passion of Debello, to quit smoking should have been a part-time job. She planned to travel the state to share their message to an organization called TRU, tobacco reality unfiltered.

When the lawmakers voted on the state budget in Raleigh, they have reduced the anti-tobacco funding.

TRU budget fell from $ 17.3 million to $ 2.7 million.

“To stop this, I do not know how you have the courage to do that,” Debello said. “I think it’s funny.”

The Mecklenburg County Department of Health takes a hit, too, lost $ 300,000 and three positions of the health educator.

Sen. Andrew Brock told Eyewitness News he voted for the budget.

“Smoking rates fell, and we needed money to fill in Medicaid,” he said.

Rep. Craig Horn also voted in favor of the budget.

“I think we can reduce state spending in this particular area, so that available funds can be reallocated,” said Horn.

 Debello is not sure that the low statistics of smoking youth will follow.

“I’m afraid she’s going to completely change and shoot through the roof, and we’re not going to be able to control it then,” she said.

Debello added: “It’s disappointing. This is terrible, and it is heartbreaking that we can not keep doing this to try to change the situation in the country.”

Mecklenburg County Health Department will have anti-tobacco work remains. Health officials said that a person will be directed at removing tobacco smoke and increased business by 100 percent non-smoking.