As the mother of two teenage boys and someone who works closely with cancer survivors and patients, I’m calling on Utah lawmakers to raise the state’s cigarette tax by $2.00, while also taxing all other tobacco products at an impactful rate.
Each year, more than 1,300 Utahns die from smoking-related illnesses. More than 15% of cancer deaths are linked to smoking, and tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death.
Big Tobacco companies continue to use deceiving tactics as they aim to recruit the next generation to line their pocketbooks. They spend $38.3 million in Utah annually trying to lure our kids to start using their addictive products — including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
Increasing tobacco taxes is one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among kids.
As a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), I advocate to reduce the cancer burden on our communities. State legislators should vote yes to HB337 to protect children and families — a cornerstone of what it means to be a Utahn.
Big Tobacco cannot continue to hook generations of Utahns on their products and put them at higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer.
Catherine Standiford
Sandy, Utah