Dear Members, Partners, and Friends,

 

Wednesday was another milestone day in the effort to reduce the burden of tobacco on our Nation.  President Obama signed a law expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) which included a 62-cent increase per pack in the cigarette tax and a $1.01 increase per pack for 'little cigars'.

 

Below you will find a short statement from Matt Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) and active C-Change member, describing the benefits of this act when it goes into effect on March 31, 2009.  In a personal statement, Matt notes that 'this victory would not have occurred without the work of tobacco control advocates across the country year after year.'  Matt's words acknowledge that it takes the time and effort of many people to accomplish real change.  As we move into this season when talk of health reform is so prevalent, this tobacco control victory should inspire each of us to remain active and committed to advocating for the changes we believe are necessary "to eliminate cancer as a major public health problem at the earliest possible time" (C-Change Mission Statement).