Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Nebraska Government Relations Director Megan Word
LINCOLN, Neb. – “Late last week, the Nebraska Revenue Committee advanced a bill that fails to prioritize reducing Nebraska’s high tobacco burden. The Committee missed an opportunity to improve the health of Nebraskans by reducing tobacco use, leaving out fact-based policies on the leading cause of preventable death in Nebraska.
“If Nebraska is going to be serious about improving public health, we need to address the state’s tobacco crisis. In the state, 13% of adults smoke cigarettes and almost 15% of high school students use tobacco products. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Nebraska, killing 2,500 Nebraskans 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 2,800 kids from becoming adults who smoke, help 8,000 adults quit smoking, save 2,700 lives, and generate $73.37 million in new annual revenue for the state.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) looks forward to working with Nebraska state senators and the governor to reduce the burden of tobacco on Nebraskans. ACS CAN will be advocating for increasing the cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products 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) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.