Cancer Society And Others Want State To Collect Taxes on Cigarettes

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Say this will cut down on smoking

The American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the American Lung Association in New York today called for prompt implementation of new regulations issued by the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance designed to end cigarette tax evasion.

"We are encouraged by the Tax Department's announcement of new regulations," said Russell Sciandra of the American Cancer Society. "However, the Administration must pursue swift implementation and strong enforcement of these new rules to ensure tax collection begins this calendar year."

"New York State is hemorrhaging crucial tax revenue to the tune of at least $1.6 million per day - that's almost $20 per second – money that the state desperately needs for public health programs," said Julianne Hart of the American Heart Association.

"Raising the price of cigarettes is the most effective method to decrease kids' smoking," said Michael Seilback of the American Lung Association in New York. "When more than 25,000 New Yorkers die each year as a result of tobacco-related illnesses, we need to do everything we can to discourage smoking."