The American Lung Association has expressed its support for the Navajo Nation's recent legislative move to increase taxes on tobacco products. JoAnna Strother, Senior Director of Advocacy for the association, commented on the passage of legislation 0145-24, which aims to raise the existing tax on tobacco products and introduce a new tax on electronic smoking and nicotine products.
"The American Lung Association applauds the Navajo Nation, President Buu Nygren, Sponsor Delegate Carl Slater, and the Air is Life Coalition for continuing their lifesaving health efforts by increasing the excise tax on commercial cigarettes by a $1.50 and establishing a new tax on nicotine and vaping products," Strother stated.
According to Strother, this legislation is expected to have multiple benefits. It aims to improve public health by discouraging youth from starting tobacco use and encouraging current users to quit. Additionally, it will generate significant revenue, part of which will be allocated to the Office of Traditional Cultural and Spiritual Healing under the Navajo Department of Health.
This legislative action follows previous efforts by Navajo Nation leaders and the Air is Life Coalition with the Nich’ Éí Bee Ííná – Air is Life Act in 2021. This act made casinos and other public spaces smokefree within the Navajo Nation. "This is a record of leadership to be proud of when it comes to reducing commercial tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. The American Lung Association congratulates everyone involved in these important public health efforts," added Strother.
