Christopher Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), recently released a statement about the increased tax on tobacco in the State of Pennsylvania.
Health professionals hope that the increased tax will help to improve the health of the state.
“The $1-per-pack cigarette tax increase and the first ever tax on other tobacco products in the state passed today by the Pennsylvania Legislature will help to discourage tobacco use and save lives from cancer and other serious tobacco-related diseases in the state,” Hansen said. “Research shows that regular and significant tobacco tax increases are one of the most effective ways to encourage tobacco users to quit and protect young people from becoming addicted. Pennsylvania’s increase from $1.60 to $2.60 per pack and its new tax on other tobacco products are expected to be signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf in the coming days.”
It is common knowledge that tobacco causes a variety of problems for people’s health. Raising the tax is one approach to preventing current and future health concerns.
“Bipartisan support for this legislation from Pennsylvania lawmakers makes a strong statement that reducing the use of this deadly product in the state is a priority,” Hansen said. “This cigarette tax increase will save an estimated 32,200 lives in Pennsylvania and keep more than 48,100 kids from becoming addicted adult smokers. The tax increase is also expected to prompt more than 65,600 adult smokers in Pennsylvania to quit, all while saving the state an estimated $2.19 billion in long-term health care costs.”
