FRANKFORT, KY–The Kentucky legislature recently passed legislation to remove the tax on some e-cigarette hardware. Kristy Young, director of government relations in Kentucky for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), made the following statement in reaction.
"ACS CAN is dismayed that the Kentucky legislature this week passed legislation that will remove the 15% wholesale tax on the hardware used in electronic smoking devices when the hardware is sold separately from the e-cigarette liquid. Right now, over 26% of our Kentucky high school students are using e-cigarettes. Eliminating taxes on some e-cigarette products will make them even more appealing to price-sensitive consumers, including youth. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, should be taxed at parallel rates to encourage people who use tobacco to quit rather than switching to lower-priced alternatives.
"As we face skyrocketing youth tobacco use, now is not the time to take steps backward. ACS CAN calls on Gov. Beshear to stand up to Big Tobacco and protect Kentuckians' health by vetoing this legislation. Together we can protect our kids from a lifelong addiction to tobacco products."
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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