In response to Governor Scott Walker’s proposed state budget announced Tuesday, Maureen Busalacchi, SmokeFree Wisconsin’s executive director, issued the following statement:
“SmokeFree Wisconsin appreciates Governor Walker’s decision to maintain funding for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program in his proposed budget. We understand the tough economic situation Wisconsin is currently experiencing, however, cancer and respiratory diseases, complications linked to tobacco-use, do not slow down in difficult budget times therefore, continued funding for the Program is absolutely necessary.
“The Program has proven to be a wise and valuable investment for Wisconsin. In the last ten years, the Program worked to successfully cut adult smoking rates by 21 percent, and because of the efforts from the Program and its partners, 50,000 fewer Wisconsin kids are lighting up today. But, emerging products from the Tobacco Industry continue to threaten the health of our youth and our state, thus, it is critical that the Program is able to continue its work.
“The 10 percent cut in funding for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program will make efforts to reduce tobacco-use more challenging, especially in light of the large cuts the Program experienced in 2009. However, without further reductions the Program will continue to be highly effective, preventing death and disease in Wisconsin and saving both public and private sectors health care dollars.
“SmokeFree Wisconsin looks forward to working with the Program on new, innovative ideas to help further reduce tobacco use in our state. This is a Program that produces results, and will continue to do so and we are grateful the leaders of Wisconsin recognize its value.”
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