ACS CAN EXCLUSIVE: Preview of Tomorrow's Budget

ACS CAN EXCLUSIVE: Preview of Cancer Fighting Measures Expected in Tomorrow's New York State Budget

by Peter Slocum
Vice President of Advocacy
American Cancer Society Eastern Division

Gov. Paterson is taking what appear to be big steps in the fight against cancer. He's embraced much of the American Cancer Society 2009 agenda!

1. Today he signed the bill designed to stop untaxed cigarette sales to non-Indians from the reservations. 

2. His budget, to be unveiled Tuesday, will include two of our key Access to Care agenda items:

---Increase Family Health Plus eligibility to 200% of the poverty level, (approx. $20,000 for an indiv.)

-EZ pass public insurance sign-ups, eliminating fingerprints and face-to-face interviews that discourage people from enrolling..

3. He proposes to increase cancer screening for the uninsured by $3.2 million, up from $19 million. That is still way short of need, but it is a start.

4. He proposes an "obesity tax" on non-diet soda, designed to discourage consumption of these soft drinks, which are major contributors to overweight kids.

All in all, a great start. The Legislature must evaluate these items and weigh them against others. But this bodes well.

Make sure to check back tomorrow as we'll be back on Tuesday with an exclusive ACS CAN Fight Back Podcast featuring reaction to the budget.