BOSTON – On Friday, Gov. Baker announced a fiscal year 2020 supplemental budget which includes $2 million to address the widespread use of e-cigarettes in the Commonwealth, through a multipronged approach of prevention, intervention and awareness. The additional funding would also help with implementation of the recently passed landmark new law modernizing tobacco control in the Commonwealth.
The following statement can be attributed to Marc Hymovitz, director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Massachusetts.
“It’s no secret that youth e-cigarette use, or vaping, has reached epidemic proportions here in the Commonwealth. Nearly one third of all Massachusetts high school kids report currently using e-cigarettes, and we know this sets them on the path to greater risk of lifelong tobacco addiction.
“While Massachusetts has made incredible advances in fighting Big Tobacco in recent years – by increasing the legal sale age of tobacco to 21, and passing a first in the nation prohibition on the sale of all flavored tobacco products – we must also ensure the public is well educated on the dangers of e-cigarette use, and arm our youth with the tools they need to resist the tobacco industry’s continued targeting.
“By allocating additional funding to raise awareness, increase access to cessation programs, and educate kids and their parents about the dangers of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, Gov. Baker is further securing Massachusetts’ legacy as a national leader in tobacco control. We urge lawmakers to invest in the future health of the Commonwealth’s youth by supporting the supplemental budget increase allocated to address this issue.”
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.