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Smoke-free Press Releases

January 15, 2025

Governor Murphy Sets Sights on Affordability Concerns in 2025, Advocates Applaud & Urge Lawmakers to Prioritize Patients across Cancer Continuum

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New Jersey Government Relations Director Quinton Law:

“As anybody touched by the disease can tell you, cancer demands a high price. Physically, emotionally and financially, it is a draining disease where the costs can—very quickly—feel insurmountable. This is the case for patients across the cancer continuum. New Jerseyans are looking for state leaders to intervene and prevent the costs of care from trending upward and potentially trapping them in a lifetime of medical debt. Cancer patients and survivors throughout the state were heartened to hear Governor Murphy isolate affordability as a priority in his State of the State address. In the coming year, ACS CAN urges lawmakers to focus their efforts on three areas to alleviate the financial burden of disease, starting with preventing illness for a group of New Jerseyans at heightened risk of cancer: Atlantic City casino workers.

January 8, 2025

Advocates Set Sights on Improving Access to Cancer Care, Reducing Burden of Disease for Maryland Patients in 2025

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Maryland Government Relations Director Lance Kilpatrick:

“In 2024, Maryland state lawmakers heard from advocates across the disease spectrum and from every corner of the state, who united together to send a resounding message: improve access to lifesaving medication. Though the legislature did not advance the proposal to prohibit the use of copay accumulator adjustment programs, advocates are hopeful that lawmakers won’t miss the same opportunity in 2025.

January 8, 2025

Mother, Daughter Survive Cancer & Send Message to Lawmakers: Reduce the Burden of Cancer in New Jersey

Two years after Ocean City local Jeanmarie Mason’s breast cancer returned and spread to her bones, her daughter Julie Groob also experienced a recurrence of her cervical cancer, bringing the two closer together than ever and uniting them in the fight against cancer. As volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Jeanmarie and Julie were among key voices in securing a medical debt relief victory in 2024. The pair are approaching the legislative session in 2025 eager to share their stories and advance critical proposals to limit the burden of disease across the cancer continuum.

April 5, 2024

N.J. is 18 years late on closing the casino loophole

January 15, 2024, marked 18 years since the New Jersey Smoke-free Air Act was signed into law. My family and I are proud New Jerseyans and direct beneficiaries of this groundbreaking legislation. I distinctly remember the difference it made in everyday life; clearing the haze from restaurants, commuter trains and businesses made it safer for workers and patrons alike. It is hard for me to imagine returning to a restaurant and sitting through a meal with plumes over my plate, ashtrays at every table or returning to a workplace where smoking is permitted and condoned.