The ACS held a press conference to announce their formal support for Georgia legislation requiring a $1 tax on tobacco products
Georgia legislators are considering a one dollar tax on tobacco products in order to help with the state’s budget crisis.
The American Cancer Society announced their support of the sales tax at a press conference March 5, 2010.
Dr. Phillip Roberts, Phoebe Oncologist and former smoker says its imperative to pass the tax legislation. “Tobacco products are responsible for 87% of cancer deaths and there are approximately 4,600 lung cancer deaths in Georgia every year” says Roberts.
The ACS said the tobacco tax is a win on three levels because if passed it will reduce the number of people who smoke, reduce healthcare costs, and 73% of voters support it.
Some smokers FOX 31 News spoke with hate the idea of paying more for tobacco products, however they also see a positive aspect to the price jump if it prevents teenagers from picking up the habit.
Tobacco related health issues include COPD, emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer.
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