AUGUSTA – MARCH 21, 2024 - Today, Maine lawmakers will vote on LD2028,”an Act to Amend Certain Tax Laws," a bill submitted by the Department of Financial Services to make technical changes to the tax laws in Maine. While in committee, the bill was weakened when language to tax tobacco products equally was removed. Therefore, Public health advocates are urging lawmakers instead to support the minority report on LD2028, which clarifies the tobacco products tax definition of "tobacco products" to include any product that contains tobacco or nicotine.
The following statement can be attributed to Julia MacDonald, Maine director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“Big Tobacco has been hard at work in Augusta trying to defeat a bill that would close tax loopholes they rely on to market their deadly products and ensure that Mainers continue to use tobacco and stay addicted to nicotine.”
“The health costs of tobacco are incredibly high, while low priced tobacco products make it too easy for youth to afford to start and continue using nicotine products. The tobacco industry knows this bill would hurt their bottom line, which is why they are fighting it so hard. Fortunately, we can fight back - state lawmakers can help protect Mainers from tobacco addiction by closing tax loopholes that keep costs of tobacco products so low.
“For the health of all Mainers, ACS CAN urges lawmakers to support the minority report on LD 2028.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality, affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org