2016 Wisconsin State Legislative Priorities

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

2016 Wisconsin Legislative Priorities

 

Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote prevention and early detection of cancer, increase research, and expand access to quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Wisconsinites touched by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease. In 2016, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will work with the Wisconsin Legislature in support of the following priorities:

 

· Reduce obesity and increase physical activity among kids. Obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition are major risk factors for cancer, and legislative efforts aimed at these factors offer a critical opportunity for disease prevention, particularly among children. ACS CAN supports legislation to require that Wisconsin elementary school students receive 150 minutes of physical education each week.

 

· Advance legislation to protect kids from new tobacco products. The tobacco companies have developed many new candy-like tobacco products that appeal to kids. They’re also using loopholes to get around state taxes. Little cigars, for instance, are packaged like cigarettes but because they are wrapped in brown paper they are taxed at a lower rate. Lower taxes and fruit flavors make these tobacco products less expensive and more attractive to kids. ACS CAN will work to ensure that noncigarette tobacco products are regulated and taxed the same as cigarettes and kept out of the hands of children.

 

· Protect Wisconsin’s comprehensive statewide smoke-free air law. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard that causes lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness in nonsmokers. Since July 2010, Wisconsinites have been breathing easier while enjoying smoke-free workplaces, bars and

restaurants and the related health benefits. ACS CAN will work to protect the state’s popular new smoke-free air law against attempts to weaken or repeal it.

 

· Protect funding for the Well Woman Program. Wisconsin’s Well Woman Program provides breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment services to low-income Wisconsinites who are uninsured or underinsured. ACS CAN will oppose any potential budget cuts that could reduce or eliminate the lifesaving services provided through this program.

 

· Protect funding for Wisconsin’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. Comprehensive statewide tobacco prevention programs prevent youth smoking, help smokers quit and ultimately save lives and money. Wisconsin’s tobacco control program has successfully reduced smoking among both kids and adults across the state and provided cessation services to thousands. ACS CAN will work to protect funding for this program so that it can continue this success.

 

· Support implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Access to quality health care directly affects people’s ability to prevent, detect, and survive cancer. The sad reality is that too much cancer death and suffering is attributable to gaps in our current health care system. Strong implementation of the Affordable Care Act, including the effective support and promotion of the federal health insurance exchange along with coverage available through the state’s Medicaid program, will help ensure access to quality care for more Wisconsinites.