Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Grassroots Manager Ashley Hall
LANSING, MICH. – “Yesterday, the Michigan legislature passed a package of bills they say will help reduce Big Tobacco’s grip on Michigan, but these bills are a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The legislation will lower the tax, and therefore the price, of some tobacco products. We know this trick is one major way for the tobacco industry to protect their bottom line, addict people with cheap products and keep them addicted. These bills will not effectively reduce tobacco use in the state and would actually make these addictive and deadly products cheaper and more accessible.
“Lawmakers can and must do better to reduce the toll of tobacco on Michiganders. If the governor is serious about protecting kids from Big Tobacco, we need her to be a leader on fact-based policy interventions proven to reduce tobacco use, including increasing funding to $10 million annually for tobacco control programs. As Big Tobacco has been working hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for funding for tobacco prevention programs has never been greater.
“We need fact-based policies to reduce tobacco use in Michigan, not legislation that makes it easier for Big Tobacco to addict the next generation. ACS CAN calls on Gov. Whitmer to protect kids from Big Tobacco by vetoing this legislation and working with the legislature to invest $10 million in fact-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs in the FY23 budget.”
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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.