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
Casey O'Neill
Senior Regional Media Advocacy Manager
Love Notes to Lawmakers: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to Deliver Valentines to Legislators
As state lawmakers begin debating the budget, advocates call on lawmakers to increase access to lifesaving cancer screenings and prioritize tobacco control proposals
February 11, 2023
ALBANY, NY – February 11, 2023 – In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will be visiting Albany on Monday, February 13 to deliver love notes to lawmakers in the form of Valentine’s Day cards, advocating that they increase the Cancer Services Program (CSP) budget and support the tobacco control proposals outlined in Governor Hochul’s 2023-24 Executive Budget and more.
WHEN: ACS CAN advocates will visit the New York State Capitol on Monday, February 13, stopping by Assembly chambers at 2:00pm and Senate chambers at 3:00pm to share V-day cards (and a sweet treat) with lawmakers.
WHAT: Legislators can expect the Valentine’s Day cards they receive to include calls to increase the CSP budget to $26.8 million as well as the Tobacco Control Program (TCP) budget to $52 million, raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack and work to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all flavored tobacco products. For example, “Roses are red, violets are blue, New Yorkers want a budget that prioritizes cancer prevention and early detection and so should you.”
WHY: The CSP provides cancer screenings and diagnostic services at no cost to under- and uninsured New Yorkers. In 2017, the CSP budget was cut by 20%. If state leaders are committed to detecting cancer sooner and preventing later stage diagnoses, then they need to fund the program at $26.8 million.
While Governor Hochul’s proposals to increase the cigarette tax and end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products represent a big step in the effort to curtail statewide tobacco use, the 2023-24 Executive Budget lacked an increase in the tax on all other tobacco products (OTPs) as well as an increase in funding for the TCP—despite the efficacy of tobacco taxes in curbing tobacco uptake and the TCP’s record of success. The TCP budget of $39.8 million is less than half of what it was at its peak of $85 million in 2008 and far less than the $106 million the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends New York spend on its tobacco control program.
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About ACS CAN
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 improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. 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 advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
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