Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Leo Almeida
COLUMBUS, OHIO – “Today, the legislature passed the final version of the state operating budget, which slashes funding for tobacco control nearly in half. Furthermore, language was included that will remove control from local governments to protect the health of their residents. Now was not the time for our state lawmakers to do Big Tobacco’s dirty work for them.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on Gov. Mike DeWine to veto language that removes local control, which allows local governments to pass laws stronger than the state law. Amid the growing youth tobacco epidemic, we need local laws to protect our kids, not state interference. Local governments are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the people in their communities.
“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, yet the legislature slashed funding nearly in half, from $14.5 million annually to $7.5 million annually. With Big Tobacco spending nearly $429.8 million marketing their deadly and addictive products in our state annually, a well-funded, fact-based tobacco control program is needed more than ever. Ohio has some of the highest tobacco use rates in the country, with
36.7% of our high school students using tobacco products. The last thing our state needed is less funding for fact-based programs to reduce tobacco use.
“Gov. DeWine, your action is needed to reverse these trends. In fact, if nothing is done to reduce smoking rates in our state, 259,000 kids under 18 currently alive in Ohio will ultimately die prematurely from smoking. ACS CAN calls on the Governor to stand up for Ohio's youth by vetoing language that takes away local governments' rights to pass laws stronger than the state law that are proven to promote good health and well-being.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.