New Jersey Cancer Action Center

Earlier today, legislation was introduced in the New Jersey Assembly as a companion to Senate Bill 773, proposing to increase the state’s investment in the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR). Assembly Bill 4579 would establish a dedicated, non-lapsing investment in the amount of $10 million, utilizing a greater proportion of the state tobacco tax revenue to do so. With bills now moving in both chambers, survivors and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are encouraged by the growing momentum to expand support for cancer research and accelerate lifesaving innovations.

This Thursday, January 15, will mark 20 years since former Governor Richard Codey signed into law the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, landmark legislation that balked precedent and risked the unknown in service of New Jerseyans’ health, quality of life and ability to thrive. It paid off, bringing smoking rates down across the state and allowing businesses to thrive in a new landscape. Unfortunately, casinos were excluded from such progress, and their business and employees’ health have suffered as a result. Now, days away from a new administration, health advocates are calling on state leaders to finally—after two decades—close the casino loophole.

Cancer patients, survivors and advocates are marking the American Cancer Society's 49th annual Great American Smokeout by calling on elected officials across the state to do more to reduce tobacco use. The Great American Smokeout is a day for people who smoke or use any form of tobacco, including e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches, to create a plan to quit.

Last night, advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), NJ Citizen Action and the NJ Black Empowerment Coalition convened a roundtable discussion on the impacts of the budget reconciliation bill in front of Congress on Americans’ access to Medicaid and Marketplace coverage.