How You Can Help Hold Big Tobacco Accountable
Nearly 20 years ago, a U.S. Federal District judge found that the major cigarette manufacturers violated civil racketeering laws for deliberately defrauding the public.
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ACS CAN Applauds NYC Comprehensive Tobacco Control Package
March 18, 2013
Statement by Michele Bonan, New York City Advocacy Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
New York, NY - March 18, 2013 - "Mayor Bloomberg, Commissioner Farley, and the New York City Council deserve credit for once again taking on society's biggest public health threat: Big Tobacco.
"In 2013, it is estimated that more than 11,000 New Yorkers will die from cancers caused by smoking, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths. Each day more than 3,500 kids under the age of 18 try their first cigarette, and more than 900 become established smokers.
"Getting tough on tobacco will improve public health and boost the city's budget. Tax evasion makes it easier for cheap tobacco to get in the hands of youth and is costing the city and the state hundreds of millions of dollars. Setting the minimum price of tobacco will also ensure that one of the most powerful tools to help adults quit and keeps kids from starting -a high tobacco tax-remains impactful. In sum, high cost tobacco means fewer users, and fewer users means less illness and premature death from diseases like cancer.
"These proposals, in addition to protecting kids from exposure to tobacco products and tobacco industry marketing are important strategies to reduce youth tobacco use, and help adults kick the deadly habit. We look forward to working with the Administration and the Council as they develop the final details of this plan."
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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