HARTFORD – Today, Phillip Morris International (PMI) announced its intention to relocate the company’s corporate headquarters from New York to Connecticut. The following statement can be attributed to Amber Herting, a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Connecticut:
“Whether across the country or right here in our backyard, if we want to save lives and improve public health for all, we must remain laser focused on combatting Big Tobacco’s influence on our communities.
“While they may put up a smokescreen about the dangers of what they sell, there is no denying that tobacco companies like Phillip Morris create products that addict and kill thousands in Connecticut and hundreds of thousands across the country each year. ACS CAN is committed to protecting public health over protecting Big Tobacco’s pocketbook, and state lawmakers must do the same.
“With the tobacco industry taking up residence in on Connecticut, it’s time for lawmakers to recommit to protecting our kids, communities of color and other groups targeted by Big Tobacco from deadly tobacco addiction. This includes fully funding tobacco prevention and control programs and ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, here in our state.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.