Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Bryan Hannon
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – “As lawmakers dive into the 2023 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges Speaker Huston, Rep. Thompson, and Sen. Bray and Mishler to prioritize significantly increasing taxes on all tobacco products and investing in fact-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs to ease the burden of cancer on Hoosiers. Indiana’s tobacco use rates are among the highest in the nation, and it is past time for the legislature to act.
“ACS CAN urges state lawmakers to prioritize tobacco control measures, including increasing the cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack, increasing the tax on all other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to parallel the new cigarette tax, and investing $15 million in tobacco control programs. In doing so, Indiana will take a decisive step towards reducing tobacco use and its devastating toll on our communities while advancing our mission to end cancer as we know it for everyone.
“Indiana can and must do better when it comes to reducing the toll of tobacco on Hoosiers. As lawmakers review a variety of public health proposals this legislative session, ACS CAN strongly urges them to prioritize proven tobacco control policies that will reduce Indiana’s smoking rates, improve health and generate significant new revenue for public health initiatives.”
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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.