Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Andrew Schepers
LANSING, MICH. – “Today, Gov. Whitmore introduced her proposed budget, which fails to increase funding for programs that could reduce cancer incidence and deaths. As we mark Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, ACS CAN encourages the legislature to invest in programs to prevent and treat cancer in Michigan. Increasing funding for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program to $2.8 million and increasing funding for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ tobacco prevention and cessation program to $10 million are proven ways to reduce suffering and death from cancer.
“If nothing is done to reduce smoking rates, 213,000 Michigan kids currently under 18 will ultimately die prematurely from smoking. As Big Tobacco has been working hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs has never been greater.
“At a time when the state has a significant budget surplus, ACS CAN looks forward to working with the legislature to prioritize reducing suffering and death from cancer by increasing funding for these critical programs. We can and must do better.”
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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.