AUGUSTA – January 28, 2025 – Ahead of this evening’s State of the Budget address, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on lawmakers to prioritize public health by supporting Gov. Mills’ proposed $1 per pack cigarette tax increase. The following can be attributed to Julia MacDonald, director of government relations for ACS CAN in Maine:
“Tobacco use is costing Maine, and the costs are many: premature death and disease, productivity losses, and an increased taxpayer burden in the form of millions spent on tobacco related healthcare costs.
“Thanks to Gov. Mills’ proposal to increase the states cigarette tax by $1 per pack, we are on the cusp of being able to reduce these costs for all Mainers. Significant increases in cigarette taxes are one of the most effective ways to prevent kids from starting to use tobacco and help adults quit.
“Increasing the state’s cigarette tax by $1 per pack not only saves lives but stands to increase much needed tax revenue, while at the same time substantially reducing long term tobacco related healthcare costs.”
###
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