OKLAHOMA CITY — Today, the No on 814 – Campaign for a Healthier Oklahoma, a coalition of leading national health organizations, congratulated Oklahomans on defeating SQ 814.
With a “no” vote on State Question 814, Oklahomans delivered a clear message to legislators: A healthy Oklahoma is important to them.
Medicaid expansion and the protection of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) will help drive healthier outcomes for every single Oklahoman. From one of the nation’s top tobacco quitlines to its mission to increase rural access to preventative care with a grant to attract and retain doctors in rural Oklahoma, TSET has worked to improve the health of Oklahomans for 20 years. The trust’s work has saved more than 42,000 lives.
“Today’s outcome is an enormous win for Oklahomans, who clearly prioritize their health,” American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network of Oklahoma Government Relations Director Matt Glanville said. “We are grateful voters recognized they do not have to sacrifice tobacco control programs and cancer research grants to expand Medicaid. The Legislature and Gov. Kevin Stitt know how to fund Medicaid expansion while maintaining the integrity of the trust; they simply need to implement those measures.”
“Oklahoma became a leader when they decided to protect their Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement Funds,” American Lung Association Advocacy Director Charlie Gagen said. “We are grateful that Oklahomans continued to protect this wise investment, enabling Oklahoma to continue to fight lung disease and tobacco use.”
“By defeating SQ 814 and protecting investments in TSET for future generations, Oklahomans will save lives and save money,” said Sarah Rivin, American Heart Association Oklahoma Government Relations Director. “Oklahomans voted for a healthier Oklahoma, and we applaud their decision.”
No on 814 – Campaign of Healthier Oklahoma’s steering committee is comprised of ACS CAN, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
For more information about TSET’s impact on Oklahoma and the campaign, visit 814isnotOK.org.
Authorized and paid for by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in coordination with the “No on 814 – Campaign for a Healthier Oklahoma,” 2509 Northwest 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73112, 405.301.6311.