REDUCING TOBACCO USE IN MAINE: BUILDING ON SUCCESS, INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

ACS CAN will advocate for adequate, sustainable funding for Maine’s state tobacco prevention and cessation program. The funding for this program comes largely from revenues from the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) payments, which go into the Fund for a Healthy Maine. ACS CAN will advocate in support of $15.9 million in annual funding for tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, as recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition, ACS CAN will advocate for an increase in the cigarette excise tax by $1.50 per pack, a proven strategy to prevent kids from ever smoking and reduce the number of Mainers who are current smokers.

In 2021, ACS CAN will advocate to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. Enacting comprehensive, evidence-based tobacco control policies reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related disease, resulting in reduced tobacco-related health care costs.