North Carolina Action Center

2012 North Carolina Legislative Priorities

Tobacco

• Advocate for evidence based and effective tobacco use cessation programs by dedicating 25% of the Master Settlement Agreement Funds to ensure permanent and dedicated funding for these important programs.  

• Support an increase in North Carolina’s cigarette excise tax BY at least $1.00 and support an excise tax increase on other tobacco (non-cigarette) products to a tax rate equivalent with that of cigarettes;

·         Protect public health by eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke:

·         Protect existing smoke-free law which made restaurants and bars smoke-free on January 2, 2010;

·         Expand existing smoke-free law by advocating for legislation to make all NC worksites and public places 100% smoke-free, in combination with;

·         Advocate for legislation that expands local control so local communities can pass ordinances to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke in worksites (in addition to public places granted by HB 2 in 2010).

Access to Care

• Advocate for continued state funding for the NC Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program.

·         Advocate for the fair state implementation of the Affordable Care Act that ensures all North Carolinians have access to quality healthcare at an affordable price.

·         Advocate for healthcare legislation that ensures all individuals have access to preventive medical treatment and necessary prescription medications required to promote prevention and cancer screenings, early detection, and quality treatment and care options that give patients a fighting chance against cancer.

Nutrition and Physical Activity

·         Advocate to ensure all foods and beverages available in schools meet national nutrition guidelines and are fully funded;

§  Advocate for policies requiring that all competitive foods and beverages offered in schools meet national nutritional guidelines; Advocate for policies identified to reduce exposure to marketing and advertising of unhealthy foods in schools.

·         Support the implementation of national nutrition standards for state government vending machines; Advocate for policies identified to reduce exposure to marketing and advertising of unhealthy foods in state government buildings;

·         Support menu labeling for the Legislative Building cafeteria and/or snack bar.

• Physical Activity/Physical Education:

§  Promote the implementation of quality, comprehensive Physical Education (PE) statewide according to national PE standards set by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

§  Work with local coalitions to advocate for comprehensive PE before local school boards and use resulting processes and policies as models for future statewide policy change.

Prevention and Early Detection

·         Advocate for increased restrictions and guidelines for the use of tanning beds by individuals under 18 years of age.

Click here to view the 2010 State Cancer Facts.