Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Nebraska Government Relations Director Megan Word
LINCOLN, NEB. – “The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on the Governor and the state legislature to seize the opportunity during the special session to reduce the toll of tobacco and cancer on Nebraskans by increasing the state’s cigarette tax by at least $1 per pack. Over 28% of cancer deaths in the state are attributable to smoking, and something must be done.
“If we are serious about reducing the toll of preventable cancer and chronic disease in Nebraska, lawmakers must address the state’s tobacco crisis. In Nebraska, 13% of adults smoke cigarettes and almost 15% of high school students use tobacco products. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Nebraska, killing 2,500 Nebraskans each year.
“Raising the tax on all tobacco products is scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent children from starting to use tobacco and help adults quit. A $1.00 per pack cigarette tax increase will keep 1,000 kids from becoming adults who smoke, help 4,000 adults quit smoking, save 1,300 lives, and generate $42.50 million in new annual revenue for the state.
“ACS CAN has been and will continue to advocate for increasing the cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products to reduce health care costs, protect kids and save lives.”