Compromise to produce a better tobacco-money package is still possible in the Legislature, and while both Democratic and Republican proposals contain some good ideas, combining them would make the result even stronger. Here are a few proposals that deserve to be in the final package:

As the impressive, long-term benefits of improving health through diet and exercise makes clear in Franklin County, Gov. Angus King’s plan to spread this prevention program statewide makes sense. Franklin County defies its demographics, with low smoking rates and increased longevity. Their savings in medical costs are nearly as significant as the remarkably improved quality of life there. Republicans have not included this funding in the latest version of their plan. They should.

Democrats create a false distinction in objecting to using some of the money to pay Medicaid costs. They are, at the same time, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid coverage for working-poor parents. But this year’s new program is next year’s ongoing cost. Democrats are saying, in essence, that if the state had begun the parents’ insurance two years ago they would be opposed to funding it with tobacco money now. Given that Medicaid expenses caused by smoking are the reason Maine has the tobacco settlement money at all, using some of it to cover Medicaid costs seems appropriate.

Though it has not received as much attention as it deserves, the minority report includes $10 million for biomedical research at Maine-based, non-profit institutions, including those researching illnesses related to tobacco use, such as cancer, heart disease, emphysema, stroke and diabetes. Given the impressive worldwide reputation of some of Maine’s biomedical research facilities and the lack of resources they have for maintaining or building facilities, this is a much-needed fund. Both Democrats and Republicans have supported the legislation, under LD 2365, that would set aside this money. Lawmakers can make a fair argument for including it in the tobacco-fund package.

When she first looked into this issue of tobacco use in Maine, Health Director Dora Mills noticed among Medicaid recipients an unusually high number of pregnant smokers — nearly 50 percent. The habit is not only harmful to the mothers-to-be, but would be to their babies, as well, who would suffer from low birthweight and all the medical problems — and expense — that go along with it. The governor’s plan and the minority report set aside money to have doctors offer counseling and support to quit smoking and stay off it.

Given the windfall represented by the $55 million annual tobacco settlement, lawmakers have proposed creating or expanding a number of worthwhile programs. Not all of them can get funded this year or specifically through the settlement. Nevertheless, there are plenty of good ideas between the majority and minority reports that, with compromise, should result in the money being spent well.