HARTFORD – Today lawmakers in the appropriations committee released their proposed budget for the State of Connecticut. After years of zero dollars being allocated for lifesaving tobacco control programs, today’s budget includes $12 million for the Tobacco and Health trust Fund.
The following statement can be attributed to Bryte Johnson, Connecticut director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“Nearly one third of Connecticut high schoolers use tobacco products – but for years, the state has ranked last in the nation, allocating zero dollars to help combat this deadly addiction. Today’s proposed budget marks a huge step in the right direction and sets us on the path to not only saving hundreds of thousands in tobacco related healthcare costs, but more importantly, saving lives. It’s a long overdue proposed investment, and one that the state will benefit from for years to come.
“The work isn’t done: ACS CAN joins countless public health advocates, cancer patients and survivors, and others impacted by tobacco use in urging passage of this proposed budget, including $12 million in tobacco control program funding.”
Connecticut currently receives $400M annually from both tobacco sales revenue and monies from the annual tobacco settlement, yet the state has not invested in any form of sustained tobacco control since 2017. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death, claiming the lives of about 4,900 people in Connecticut each year.
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.