FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NM ACT Advocates for Tobacco Products Tax Increase,
Addition of E-Cigs to the Clean Indoor Air Act, and More

 

Santa Fe, NM, January 14, 2018 – The New Mexico Allied Council on Tobacco (NM ACT), a coalition dedicated to improving and saving lives by reducing commercial tobacco use, will advocate for four tobacco-control policies during the 2019 Legislative Session.

 

These policies include:

• Increased funding for New Mexico tobacco control programs
• An increase in the cigarette tax by $1.50, and raising the tobacco products tax to an equivalent level as the increased cigarette tax
• Ensuring Medicaid covers all FDA-approved cessation medications plus, individual, group, and phone counseling
• Adding e-cigarettes to the Dee Johnson Clean Indoor Air Act which will prohibit e-cigarette use in bars, restaurants and most workplaces off of tribal land

 

“We are excited to advocate for these policies this year,” Alex Ross-Reed, Director of Fierce Pride and also Co-Chair of NM ACT said. “Tobacco use is the #1 preventable cause of death in New Mexico, and NM ACT wants lawmakers to know that there is more to do to improve and save lives by reducing commercial tobacco use in our state.”

 

NM ACT’s members include the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the New Mexico Cancer Center and Foundation, New Mexico Asian Family Center, University of New Mexico Office of Substance Abuse, Fierce Pride, RESCUE, and others.

For more information about the New Mexico Allied Council on Tobacco, please visit www.NewMexicoACT.org or www.facebook.com/NewMexicoACT.

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About the New Mexico Allied Council on Tobacco:

The mission of the New Mexico Allied Council on Tobacco (NM ACT) is to advocate for proven tobacco use prevention policies through statewide partnerships to improve and save lives by reducing commercial tobacco abuse. We accomplish our mission by working to strengthen partnerships and collaborations, including educating partners about effective, research-based practices; educating partners about risks posed by emerging tobacco products, non-FDA approved nicotine delivery systems or devices, and current tobacco industry tactics; and educating partners about emerging science and the changing knowledge base of commercial tobacco control. Through these activities, we develop advocacy priorities and strategies that lead to positive tobacco legislative processes.

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Media Contacts:

Suzanne Lawson, NM ACT Marketing & Communications, voice/text 505-250-0689, suzanne@chronicdiseasenm.org

 

Laurel McCloskey, Chronic Disease Prevention Council Executive Director, 505-463-5300, laurel@chronicdisease.org.

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