Pierre, S.D. – Feb. 19, 2019 – Fewer South Dakota kids will start using e-cigarettes thanks to Rep. Carl Perry’s proposal to impose a tax on e-cigarettes, which cleared the House Health and Human Services Committee today. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) encourages the House to pass this legislation and send it to the Senate for consideration.
The bill proposes to tax e-cigarettes at the same rate as other tobacco products—35 percent of the wholesale price.
“Approving this e-cigarette tax increase would be a step toward reducing the public health epidemic we are facing with the increased use of these products by kids,” said David Benson, South Dakota government relations director with ACS CAN. “As an organization dedicated to fighting cancer, we’re thankful that the House Health and Human Services Committee has voted to send this legislation to the whole House for consideration. Making all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, more expensive is proven to be one of the most effective means to reduce use.”
E-cigarette use among high schoolers in South Dakota is over 17 percent. Given the rapid increase in use of e-cigarettes by youth and young adults, aggressive marketing tactics by their manufacturers—including the use of flavors appealing to youth—and under-regulation of these products, lawmakers must take action to protect youth and young adults, as well as the public health at-large, from the harms of e-cigarettes.
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
###