Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Leo Almeida
COLUMBUS, OHIO – “The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) condemns the state legislature for overriding Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto that protected local control of policies to protect kids from Big Tobacco. Instead of offering solutions to address the health of Ohioans, lawmakers have now rolled back existing local laws regulating the sale of tobacco products and limited what local governments can do to prevent people from starting to use tobacco and help people quit. Restricting the freedom of local leaders to pass tobacco control laws that go beyond state law only benefits Big Tobacco.
“Today, the Ohio Senate followed the House’s lead and voted to override Gov. DeWine's veto of HB 33. HB 33 will restrict communities’ authority to pass local laws regulating the sale of tobacco products. Local control over matters designed to protect the public’s health, including tobacco control laws, has numerous benefits that will be lost now that the legislature has taken away that local power.
“ACS CAN thanks Gov. DeWine for standing up for the health of Ohioans and is appalled that our state lawmakers have chosen to put our children at greater risk of becoming Big Tobacco’s new generation of customers.”
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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.