Big tobacco is targeting New England and is attempting to roll back the RI tobacco tax by $1.00 a pack of cigarettes. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Phillips, Reilly, Brien, Bennett, Newberry. H 5158 has not been scheduled for a hearing before the Finance Committee and we want to keep it that way. Action alerts are going out through the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the American Heart Association to stop this bill in its tracks.

We all know that raising the prices of tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to reduce and prevent tobacco use, especially by youth. As prices go up, usage goes down. Reducing the tobacco tax by a $1.00 will cost the state $28 million in lost revenue yearly. Higher tobacco taxes are a win-win-win solution for the Rhode Island - a health win that will reduce tobacco use and save lives, especially our children. Our children are counting on the RI legislators to do right thing, but they need to hear from us. We cannot allow big tobacco to roll back our tobacco taxes!

Should you have any questions or if your organization wants to get involved, please contact Susan Roberts, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, American Cancer Society, New England Division, 931 Jefferson Blvd., 3004 Warwick, RI 02886-2233. Tel: (401) 243-2620.  Email:  Susan.Roberts@cancer.org.