Nashville, TN – April 16, 2019 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) acknowledges Gov. Bill Lee for including $2 million in funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs in his supplemental budget amendment, but says the program needs more funding to get back to its 2018 funding level.
Emily Ogden, director of government relations in Tennessee for ACS CAN, released the following statement:
“We acknowledge Gov. Bill Lee for including $2 million in funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs in his supplemental budget amendment, but the program needs another $2 million in funding to reach its previous funding level from 2018. This investment will allow the state to help prevent kids from starting to use tobacco products and to help people quit, while delivering health and cost-saving benefits to Tennessee. Without this funding, the Tennessee Department of Health won’t be able to support the county, regional or statewide tobacco prevention and cessation programming that is already in place.
“Evidence-based, statewide tobacco control programs that are comprehensive, sustained and accountable have been shown to reduce tobacco use rates, as well as tobacco-related diseases and deaths. Research shows that the more states spend on comprehensive tobacco control programs, the greater the reductions in tobacco use.
“ACS CAN commends Sen. Shane Reeves and Rep. Robin Smith for their willingness to sponsor a budget amendment for the restoration of these funds since proper funding was not included in the governor’s budget amendment. We appreciate their recognition of the important role cessation and prevention programs can have in reducing the toll of tobacco in Tennessee.
“ACS CAN encourages the legislature to fund these programs at $4 million as they debate the budget in the coming days.”
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.
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