Nebraska Revenue Committee Bill Fails to Address Tobacco Crisis
Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Nebraska Government Relations Director Megan Word
Marc L Kaplan
Senior Regional Media Advocacy Manager
Albany, NY
ACS CAN Reacts to Bill that Eliminates the Tax on Some Tobacco Products
May 18, 2021
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Legislation (SB 1078) is being considered by Oklahoma lawmakers that would prevent the state from taxing some newer tobacco products at the same rate as other tobacco products.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Oklahoma Government Relations Director Matt Glanville released the following statement:
“The use of tobacco products remains the number one cause of preventable death. Tobacco taxes are a proven strategy to encourage people to never start using tobacco products and also a successful strategy to convince people to quit. This legislation plays right into Big Tobacco’s playbook by removing the ability to tax certain products. We must do a better job protecting the lives and health of all Oklahomans. As we face skyrocketing youth tobacco use, now is not the time to take a step backward. Eliminating the tax on any tobacco product makes them more appealing to price-sensitive consumers, including youth. All tobacco products should be taxed at parallel rates to encourage people who use tobacco to quit rather than switching to lower-priced alternatives. We ask our lawmakers to oppose this bill.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
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 saves lives. 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 made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
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