WASHINGTON, D.C. – “The $2-per-pack cigarette tax increase that goes into effect today will discourage tobacco use and save lives from cancer and other serious tobacco-related diseases in the District.
Virginia lags behind Maryland and D.C. in implementing proven cancer-fighting public health policies according to a new report released today by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). The Virginia Legislature’s inaction on these policies contributes to higher lung cancer incidence and death rates.
A coalition of leading public health organizations praised Councilmember Vincent Gray’s proposal for increasing the District’s cigarette tax by $2 per pack and designating a portion of the revenue to critical tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
Patients, survivors and advocates from four leading public health organizations converged on District of Columbia City Hall on Wednesday to take part in the annual Day with City Councilmembers. The event was organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), American Heart Association (AHA), American Lung Association in DC (ALA in DC) and DC Tobacco Free Coalition.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s recent budget proposal fails to include $160,000 which is needed to ensure implementation of the District’s new ordinance that raises the age of sale for tobacco products to 21 years old.