Advocacy Volunteer Submits Letters to the Editor in Support of Tobacco Tax

Heart association backs tobacco tax
The State Journal Register

The American Heart Association wants to express its support for the governor’s proposal to increase the tobacco tax.
We understand that everybody is hurting and that smokers are not immune from economic hardship. However, we feel that this is the best out of the revenue-generating options on the table because there is a direct link between raising tobacco taxes and saving lives by encouraging people to quit smoking and discouraging kids from starting this deadly habit. In addition to saving lives and preventing misery caused by smoking-related illness, this measure would save taxpayer dollars spent on health-care costs that are a direct result of the usage of the product which is being taxed.

Kathleen L. Grady, PhD, APN
Chair
American Heart Association
State of Illinois Advocacy Committee

Tobacco tax will save lives
Daily Herald

The American Heart Association wants to express its support for the governor's proposal to increase the tobacco tax.

We understand that everybody is hurting and that smokers are not immune from economic hardship. However, we feel that this is the best out of the revenue-generating options on the table, because there is a direct link between raising tobacco taxes and saving lives by encouraging people to quit smoking and discouraging kids from starting this deadly habit.

In addition to saving lives and preventing misery caused by smoking-related illness, this measure would also save taxpayer dollars spent on health-care costs that are a direct result of the usage of the product which is being taxed.

Kathleen L. Grady
American Heart Association