Kentucky’s Health Depends on It: Lawmakers Must Strengthen Tobacco Prevention Efforts
Kentucky Can and Must Do Better When It Comes to Reducing Tobacco Use
Nebraska Legislative Passes Budget With Policy Wins for Big Tobacco
Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Nebraska Government Relations Director Megan Word
April 8, 2026
LINCOLN, Neb. – “As the 2026 Nebraska legislature pass their budget, they failed to stand up for the health of all Nebraskans against the interests of Big Tobacco. Despite over 50 years of data linking tobacco use to multiple cancers, tobacco remains a leading cause of cancer and cancer death; in Nebraska 28.4% of cancer deaths are attributable to smoking.
“We are deeply disappointed that the legislature did not take the opportunity to raise the state’s cigarette tax in LB 1224, it would have been a win-win for the people of Nebraska. Significant tobacco tax increases and investing in tobacco control programs are some of the most effective ways to prevent kids from starting to use tobacco and help adults quit. Defeating LB 1124 did nothing except keep deadly products cheap to protect tobacco industry profits.
“Tobacco control programs work to prevent tobacco use, promote quitting, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and eliminate tobacco-related health disparities, which is why we were so disappointed that the legislature chose to cut funding for them. These are fact-based programs put in place to reduce tobacco use and reduce taxpayer-funded health care costs. DHSS’s Tobacco Free Nebraska program provides critical tools for communities to prevent death and disease from commercial tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure.
“More than 12,680 Nebraskans will hear the words ‘you have cancer’ this year. We hope that in the near future, Nebraska lawmakers will increase the state’s cigarette tax by at least $1.00 per pack along with an equivalent tax increase on all other tobacco products. We also hope the legislature will restore funding for tobacco cessation and prevention programs at $4 million annually so that all Nebraskans have a chance to reduce the toll of tobacco in their lives. We will work to ensure Nebraska lawmakers support these efforts to improve the health of our communities and our economy.”
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
More Press Releases About