ST. PAUL, Minn. (May 26, 2017) — The Minnesota Legislature approved a budget bill today that includes initiatives supported by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to improve cancer prevention and treatment. It now moves to the governor’s desk for final consideration.
“I am heartened that the legislature prioritized these important proposals,” said Ellie Beaver, ACS CAN Minnesota government relations director. “Funding these programs moves Minnesota forward in the fight against cancer. As a childhood cancer survivor, I extend my personal and professional gratitude to the legislature for seeing their value. I hope the governor will support them as well.
“At the same time, ACS CAN is disappointed that the legislature included nearly $50 million in tax breaks for tobacco companies in the plan. Each year, approximately 6,000 Minnesotans die from their own tobacco use. We can’t support putting more money Big Tobacco’s pockets when their products are so dangerous to our citizens.”
The budget includes funding for the following initiatives which were supported by ACS CAN:
A new palliative care advisory council
Palliative care improves the quality of life for cancer patients and their families by treating the person as well as the disease, at any age and any stage in treatment. The budget includes funding for a state advisory committee to improve access to palliative care.
Minnesota's State Health Improvement Program (SHIP)
SHIP helps Minnesota communities develop their own programs to fight the damaging effects of obesity and tobacco and remove barriers to healthy living. The budget maintains current funding levels for SHIP.