Mission Statement

The mission of re:TH!NK, the Lakeshore Tobacco Prevention Network, is to improve the health of our residents by reducing tobacco use and exposure through prevention strategies which include community outreach and involvement to move policy forward collaboratively, across our multi-jurisdictional area.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

SC 50 cent cigarette tax increase passes!

Great news from South Carolina today after years of work on the tobacco tax there. It is especially gratifying that $5 million from the tax will be dedicated to the tobacco prevention and cessation program. This increase should help in many other states.

The SC Senate overrode Governor Sanford's veto 33-13 today after yesterday's 90-29 House vote to override. Congratulations to the dedicated and tenacious advocates who have worked for 10 long years to raise the state's 7 cent tax. Hope this provides enouragement to other states working on tobacco tax campaigns-especially NC and GA. Also note the bill inclues $5 million for tobacco control in a state that has dedicated little ($2 million) or nothing for prevention and cessation for the past several years! Way to go SC Tobacco Collaborative and partners!

Check out the article here: http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/Script/DisplayPressRelease.php3?Display=1210

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