Support tobacco tax increases and investments in programs to reduce tobacco use in Alabama

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death. In Alabama, 33.6% of cancer deaths are caused by smoking, and smoking accounts for $2.19 billion annually in direct health care costs. Increasing taxes on tobacco products and investing in tobacco prevention and cessation programs are proven ways to reduce tobacco use in adults and prevent youth from starting.

I call on elected officials to increase the cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products to invest in tobacco prevention and cessation programs to generate revenue, protect kids, and save lives