INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Today, the Indiana legislature passed the budget increasing tobacco taxes, which will help prevent tobacco use and help those already addicted quit.
The following statement can be attributed to Allie Kast Gregg, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network government relations director:
“The budget passed by the legislature is a significant win in the fight against cancer and for the health of Hoosiers. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds the state for prioritizing the health of Hoosiers by including a $2 per pack cigarette tax increase, as well as tax increases on other tobacco products. These two actions will ease the burden of cancer for Hoosiers and improve Hoosiers' health overall by preventing tobacco use.
“Increasing tobacco taxes is one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among kids. This $2.00 per pack increase is estimated to help 32,400 adults quit, keep 7,000 youth from becoming adults who smoke and generate $318.42 million in new annual revenue.
“At a time when tobacco use is skyrocketing among youth, ACS CAN commends the actions taken today that will generate revenue, reduce health care costs, protect kids and save lives.”
Anyone looking for help to quit smoking or to quit using other tobacco products should call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.