Share

Rep. Anselmo Receives Distinguished Advocacy Award for Excellence in Cancer-Fighting Public Policy

July 23, 2018

State Rep. Dario Anselmo of Edina was awarded the Minnesota Distinguished Advocacy Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of his hard work to promote strong public health policies that reduce the burden of cancer in Minnesota.

ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the award to select officials who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.

“Representative Anselmo immediately saw the potential of taking Tobacco 21 legislation statewide,” said Ellie Beaver, Minnesota government relations director, ACS CAN. “His hometown, Edina, was the first city in Minnesota to raise the tobacco sales age to 21 and he was inspired to protect all kids in the state from picking up a lifetime, deadly addiction.”

Anselmo was the lead author of the state’s Tobacco 21 bill in the 2018 session. He also authored a bill to support tobacco cessation funding.

“Dario Anselmo is my representative,” said Ann Deshler of Edina, ACS CAN’s lead volunteer in Minnesota. “I was so proud to have him author those two important pieces of legislation. Tobacco has impacted my family and shaped my career, so his actions take on special significance to me.”

ACS CAN presented the award on July 17 at an event in Minneapolis for volunteers, recapping the 2018 Minnesota legislative session.