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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE EFFORTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT JOINED TOGETHER TO ADVOCATE FOR AN INCREASE IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA CIGARETTE TAX.
Whereas, one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth, is to raise the price of cigarettes through tax increases; and
Whereas, AARP-South Carolina, South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center, South Carolina Adult Day Services Association, South Carolina Association of Personal Care Providers, South Carolina Fair Share, Family Connection of South Carolina, Federation of Families S.C., League of Women Voters, and United Way of the Midlands joined together to tirelessly advocate for an increase in the South Carolina cigarette tax so that South Carolina would not have the lowest cigarette tax in the nation; and
Whereas, by calling for a substantial increase to South Carolina's excise tax on cigarettes, the efforts of these organizations helped delay death and prevent disease, stop youth smoking, and reduce low birth weight babies caused by smoking during pregnancy; and
Whereas, in recognizing the dire status of the state's Medicaid budget and the need to prevent smoking, these organizations asked that the funds raised by an increase in the cigarette tax be used as follows: $5 million for smoking cessation and prevention programs and the majority of the funding be dedicated to health care thereby ensuring the State can meet its Medicaid obligations; and
Whereas, the 2010 increase in South Carolina's cigarette tax has been applauded by public health organizations and advocates across the United States. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate of South Carolina recognizes and honors the efforts of organizations that joined together to advocate for an increase in the South Carolina cigarette tax.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the organizations named herein.
This web page was last updated on June 15, 2010 at 12:42 PM