Reaction to Governor’s Reported “Deal” Calling for Pay Raises While State Turns its Back On Deadly Tobacco Addiction

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

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TRENTON, NJ – December 14, 2016 – Media reports indicate that Governor Christie has struck a deal with legislative leaders which would allow him to benefit from publishing a book in exchange for large pay raises for various state officials.  This report comes as The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) along with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights and the Truth Initiative have released a report today titled, “Broken Promises to our Children.” The report says New Jersey is tied for last nationwide in funding programs to prevent kids from smoking and helping adult tobacco users  quit.

While pay raises are in the offing for these officials, not one state penny is allocated for the New Jersey Tobacco Control Program that would help protect our health and ultimately save lives while reducing future health care costs.  The State Assembly has already passed a bill unanimously that would allocate one percent of tobacco tax revenues in New Jersey for this program.  The bill (S.862) awaits action in the senate.

ACS CAN Vice President of Government Relations Bill Sherman released this statement:

“The arrogance and callousness of this is shocking. While our leaders allocate funds for large pay raises and work on book deals, the “Broken Promises Report” says some 11,800 New Jerseyans lose their lives each year because of tobacco. Over eight percent of New Jersey high school students still smoke. Our state leaders are sending a message loudly and clearly that smokers and their families do not matter as much as officials receiving more pay or a book being published. This despite the fact that the tobacco industry spends more than $177 million in New Jersey each year to market their deadly products.

“The Tobacco Control Program uses scientifically-based strategies to help tobacco users quit and non-smokers to never start.  Legislation passed unanimously in the assembly and is awaiting action in the senate (S.862) would dedicate one percent of tobacco tax revenues to New Jersey’s Tobacco Control Program (TCP). New Jersey now collects approximately $700 million in annual tobacco tax revenues.

“One in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetimes.  Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New Jersey.  We ask for passage of S.862 in the senate and immediate enactment by Governor Christie. We hope our leaders will act now to save lives.”