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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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Strong Cig Tax Enforcement Means Fewer Smokers
July 15, 2011
Statement from Blair Horner, Vice President for Advocacy, American Cancer Society of NY & NJ, regarding cigarette tax enforcement efforts of the Cuomo administration.
“It’s not rocket science – higher cigarette prices mean fewer smokers. Taxes are an important tool to encourage smokers to quit and to prevent kids from ever starting. But to get the most bang for these bucks, taxes must be collected everywhere cigarettes are sold, including Indian reservations.
New York leads the nation in cigarette taxes at $4.35 per pack. High cigarette taxes are one important component of a comprehensive approach to reducing smoking rates. Other vital pieces include smoke-free worksites and a strong tobacco control program.
The American Cancer Society applauds Gov. Cuomo for his commitment to the health of New Yorkers as shown through this increase in cigarette tax enforcement. We urge the Governor to collect cigarette taxes on Indian reservations just as aggressively as was demonstrated today in the non-Indian retail environment.”
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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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