SANTA FE, N.M. – Cancer survivors, health professionals and students will convene at the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 29, seeking support for a crucial bill to ease the burden of tobacco in New Mexico, where more than 28 percent of all cancer deaths can be attributed its use.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteers hope meetings with lawmakers will garner support for Senate Bill 25, which would raise the state’s cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack and impose an equivalent tax on other tobacco products including cigars, smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
A 2015 poll indicated that 81 percent of likely voters support a $1.50-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax, with the revenue dedicated to increasing funding for health and education programs.
There are 40,000 children alive today in New Mexico who will prematurely die from smoking-related disease without intervention. Decades of strong evidence confirm that significantly raising the price of cigarettes will decrease youth tobacco use while helping those battling tobacco addictions to quit. The efficacy of tobacco price increases is clearly established by leading public health authorities, including the U.S. Surgeon General. Increasing the per-pack price of cigarettes by $1.50 would greatly further New Mexicans’ interests in tobacco use prevention and cessation, particularly among kids.
WHO:
More than 70 ACS CAN volunteers
Nicky Besser, Rescue Social Change
Jean McDougall, PhD, University of New Mexico
Michelle Ozbun, PhD, University of New Mexico
Janna Vallo, Southwest Tribal Tobacco Coalition
WHAT:
Cancer Awareness Day at the Capitol
WHERE:
Inn at Loretto, 211 Old Santa Fe Trail – presentations and lunch
New Mexico State Capitol – legislative meetings
WHEN:
Monday, Jan. 29 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Times of note: *Cancer research presentation - 11:15 a.m. *Lunch buffet opens - 12:15 p.m. *Community tobacco use presentation - 12:25 p.m. *Legislative meetings start – 1:20 p.m. *Los Lunas middle and high schoolers board Rail Runner – 6:46 a.m.