NASHVILLE, TN – Today, Gov. Bill Lee released his proposed state operating budget, which includes a 2 million dollar increase in tobacco prevention program funding. Emily Ogden, director of government relations in Tennessee for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), made the following statement in reaction.
“As an organization dedicated to reducing suffering and death from cancer, ACS CAN is pleased to see the governor prioritizing public health in his proposed budget. Today, the governor proposed increasing funding for the Tennessee Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program.
“Increasing funding for tobacco prevention and cessation is a vital first step to protect Tennessee youth from a lifetime of tobacco addiction and help more tobacco users quit. The program implements evidence-based strategies to reduce tobacco use, the number one cause of preventable death nationwide. This is especially important since over 32 percent of cancer deaths in Tennesee are attributed to smoking.
“This program is also an essential tool in reducing health disparities. The tobacco industry’s marketing strategies have led to significant tobacco use disparities, including higher use of tobacco products among people with lower incomes, Black Tennesseeans and LGBTQ individuals. By increasing funding to the state’s tobacco control program, Tennessee can better address the deadly consequences of tobacco use disparities.
“ACS CAN applauds Gov. Lee for a budget proposal that prioritizes cancer prevention and looks forward to working with the governor and the legislature to ensure that the final budget includes adequate funding for this lifesaving program.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.