Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Doug Hogan
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – “Recently, Sen. Tom Takubo introduced legislation, Senate Bill 84, to increase the tax on cigarettes and all other tobacco products while investing a portion of the revenue in fact-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs. This is an important step towards a cleaner, safer, healthier West Virginia that will help kids break the cycle of addiction and tobacco-related disease.
“Raising tobacco prices through regular and significant tax rate increases, like the $1.50 per pack cigarette tax increase included in Senate Bill 84, have a meaningful, measurable track record of success in encouraging people who use tobacco to quit and preventing kids from becoming addicted.
“Currently, West Virginia has the highest tobacco use rates in the nation with 22% of adults smoking cigarettes and 40.6% of high school students using tobacco products. We can and we must do better.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network thanks Sen. Takubo for his leadership on this critical issue and looks forward to working with the rest of the legislature and the governor to protect kids, save lives and reduce health care costs by significantly increasing tobacco taxes and investing in tobacco control programs in West Virginia.”
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About ACS CAN
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 improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. 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 advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.