COLUMBUS, OHIO – “Today, the House passed its version of the budget, which cut the additional funding for tobacco control Gov. Mike DeWine had included in his proposed budget. The governor had included $20 million annually for tobacco control funding, an increase of $5.5 million annually, which the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) strongly supported. Unfortunately, the House failed to include the governor’s recommended funding level for this vital program, reducing the program funding to only $15 million.
“A well-funded, fact-based tobacco control program is needed to counteract the $429.8 million per year that tobacco companies spend to market their deadly and addictive products in Ohio. As Big Tobacco has been working hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for tobacco prevention program funding has never been greater.
“Currently, 36.7% of Ohio high school students use tobacco products. Ohio can and must do better. Increasing Ohio’s investment in tobacco prevention and cessation by $5.5 million to $20 million annually would prevent 1,300 kids from becoming adults who smoke and save the state $20.8 million in future health care expenditures.
“There is still an opportunity for lawmakers to change course and increase investment in tobacco control to keep kids from starting to use tobacco and help those already addicted quit. As the legislature continues to work towards a final budget, ACS CAN calls on the Senate to restore the governor’s recommended funding level of $20 million in tobacco prevention and cessation to protect kids, reduce health care costs and save lives.”
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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.