Earlier this week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy released his proposed budget for 2025. In response, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New Jersey Government Relations Director Quinton Law issued the following statement, highlighting how Governor Murphy can amplify his intended impact of improving public health and addressing the deficit by increasing the cigarette tax by $1 per pack.
“In proposing to increase New Jersey’s tax on cigarettes by 30-cents, bringing the total to $3.00 per pack, Governor Murphy has identified a real opportunity for the state to help curb tobacco use among New Jerseyans—adults and adolescents alike; however, any increase in the state’s cigarette tax that is less than $1.00 per pack will not effectively counteract Big Tobacco’s ability to addict our youth and further sicken our adults.
“Tobacco companies can and will nullify a 30-cent tax increase through price promotions and coupons, which is why the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the cancer patients we represent are urging Governor Murphy and the Legislature to consider a $1.00 increase in the tax. In doing so, state leaders can offset the predatory practices of the tobacco industry, limit tobacco’s presence in New Jerseyans’ lives and lungs, save the state on health care costs and generate much needed revenue that we can reinvest in tobacco prevention and cessation efforts.
“Together New Jerseyans can stand up to Big Tobacco. We just need lawmakers to take the first step and increase the tax on cigarettes by $1.00 per pack with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products. Bold action would bring New Jersey cascading benefits—where further revenue is generated, kids are better protected and lives are saved.”
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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.