Support tobacco tax increases and tobacco prevention and cessation funding in Louisiana

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death. In Louisiana, 32.7% of cancer deaths are attributable to smoking, and smoking accounts for $2.19 billion annually in direct health care costs. Increasing taxes on tobacco products and investing in tobacco prevention and cessation programs are proven ways to reduce tobacco use in adults and prevent youth from starting. With over a third of high school students using tobacco products, Louisiana can and must do better.

I call on elected officials to increase the cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products and invest in tobacco prevention and cessation to protect Louisianans and save lives.