HARTFORD – Tomorrow, Gov. Lamont’s public health budget will be heard by the Appropriations Committee. His budget, which was released on February 9, fails to allocate sufficient and sustainable funds for tobacco control and prevention–programs dedicated to protecting kids from tobacco industry influence and helping current tobacco users quit in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s best practices.
A coalition of public health groups have joined together to urge the state to dedicate robust and sustainable funds to combat a leading cause of preventable death and disease in the state. The Master Settlement Agreement dollars Connecticut receives and the tobacco taxes the state collects amount to more than $470M every year. The fact that Connecticut fails to use those dollars to protect youth from the dangers of tobacco and help those addicted to these lethal products is frankly embarrassing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend Connect invest $32M annually in the state tobacco control program, yet the state has not spent that cumulatively in more than 2 decades. As the Governor said in a 2019 press conference when asked about the diversion of funds for tobacco programs, “That’s Gotta Stop”.
“There are so many things that make Connecticut unique and give us reason to be proud – but our status as the only state in the country that fails to allocate any state funds to lifesaving tobacco control programs is not one of these things,” said Bryte Johnson, director of government relations for ACS CAN in Connecticut. “Gov. Lamont’s proposed zero-dollar investment in tobacco control programs is an extremely costly and unnecessary road to take. Any short-term savings are dwarfed by the staggering toll tobacco use takes on our economy and our health care. Research shows that the more states spend on tobacco control, the greater the decrease in smoking – which not only saves money but saves lives.”
“Connecticut currently receives $400M annually from both tobacco sales revenue and monies from the annual tobacco settlement, yet our state has not invested in any form of sustained tobacco control since 2017,” said Jim Williams, director of government relations for the American Heart Association in Connecticut. “We are pleased that both Democrats and Republicans look to do so this year and both have introduced bills in the Appropriations committee to that end.”
“The American Lung Association implores Connecticut to allocate adequate and sustainable funding to the state Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program,” adds Ruth Canovi, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Connecticut. “It’s a lifesaving investment that helps prevent young people from getting addicted and assists those who are already hooked with quitting – and it can save the state and taxpayers money. When the state was investing in this work, Connecticut saved $2.48 for every dollar invested. We know what works to help reduce the devastation tobacco causes in our communities. Now is the time to make a meaningful investment that demonstrates Connecticut is making a commitment to public health."
“Lawmakers have a critical part to play in helping tobacco users quit and preventing youth from ever starting the deadly, addictive habit. One of the most effective ways we can do this is by supporting and funding tobacco control and cessation programs in Connecticut. We urge lawmakers to restore $12 million in funding for Connecticut’s Tobacco Control Program,” continued Johnson.
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About ACS CAN at 20
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 saves lives. 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 made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.