Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Molly Medenblik
LANSING, MICH – “Today, the House and Senate appropriations committees passed separate versions of the budget, which included additional funding for tobacco control. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds the House for increasing funding to $4.3 million annually for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to ease the burden of cancer in Michigan.
“A well-funded, fact-based tobacco control program is needed to counteract the $323.8 million per year that tobacco companies are spending to market their deadly and addictive products in Michigan. 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.
“In the most recent Broken Promises report, Michigan ranked 49th when it comes to properly funding the state's tobacco control programs. Tobacco use is our state's leading cause of preventable disease and death, with smoking costing Michigan $5.33 billion annually in health care costs and 16,200 Michigan residents dying from smoking each year. Michigan can and must do better.
“As the legislature continues to work towards a final budget, ACS CAN calls on lawmakers to prioritize tobacco prevention and cessation funding at $4.3 million 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.