Legislature sends incomplete budget to conference—no increase in tobacco tax or prevention funding

According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, on Tuesday, the Indiana legislature passed the budget, sending it to the conference committee. Unfortunately, this version of the budget does not include increased tobacco taxes or funding for programs that help prevent tobacco use and help those already addicted quit.

Allie Kast Gregg, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network government relations director, said, “The budget passed by the legislature today does not include tobacco tax increases or adequate funding for tobacco control. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges the conference committee to prioritize the health of Hoosiers by including a $2 per pack cigarette tax increase with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, and an increase in funding to $15 million annually for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to ease the burden of cancer for Hoosiers.”

Gregg went on to say, “Increasing tobacco taxes is one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among kids. Additionally, a well-funded, fact-based tobacco control program is needed to counteract the $293.3 million per year that tobacco companies spend to market their deadly and addictive products in Indiana. At a time when tobacco use is skyrocketing among youth, we must take action that would generate revenue, protect kids, and save lives.” 

In closing, Gregg commented, “ACS CAN calls on the conference committee to prioritize Hoosier health and kids over Big Tobacco by significantly increasing tobacco taxes while further investing in tobacco control to generate revenue, reduce health care costs, protect kids and save lives.