Tobacco.org

Newly-formed New England alliance calls for higher cigarette taxes 

A new alliance of doctors and public health advocates called Tuesday for a 50-cents-per-pack increase in the excise tax on cigarettes in New England -- with the extra money going to pay for increased health care.

The Alliance for a Healthy New England -- whose members include the medical societies in all six New England states, the New England division of the American Cancer Society, health care providers and community activists -- said higher cigarette prices will cut down on tobacco use, particularly among teen-agers.

"We are breaking new ground in efforts to combat the most preventable cause of illness and death," said Bob Mehrman, a former radio personality who lost his larynx to cancer 11 years ago and is now an anti-smoking activist.

Jump to full article »