INDIANAPOLIS, IN – “Yesterday, the Indiana House passed a budget that fails to prioritize reducing Indiana’s high tobacco burden. State representatives missed an opportunity to improve Hoosier health by reducing tobacco use, leaving out fact-based policies on the leading cause of preventable death in Indiana.
“If Indiana is going to be serious about improving public health, we need to address our tobacco crisis. Indiana has the 8th highest adult smoking rate in the US and tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in our state, killing over 11,000 Hoosiers each year.
“Raising the tax on tobacco products is scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent children from starting to use tobacco and help adults quit. A $2.00/pack cigarette tax increase will keep 24,500 kids from becoming adults who smoke, help 50,200 adults quit smoking, save 19,900 lives, and generate $371.71 million in new annual revenue.
“In addition to being effective, a tobacco tax increase is popular. Multiple public opinion polls have found that at least two-out-of-three Hoosier voters favor a significant increase in Indiana’s cigarette tax.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) looks forward to working with the state senate and the governor to reduce the burden of tobacco on Hoosiers. ACS CAN will be advocating for increasing the cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products and an increase in funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to $15 million annually to reduce health care costs, protect kids, 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.