We are endorsing Proposition 29, the Tobacco Tax for Cancer Research Act that will be on the June 5th ballot in the state of California. Higher tobacco taxes have been shown to an effective policy tool, decreasing the number of youth who start smoking and increasing the number of young adults and low-income smokers who quit.

Proposition 29 will require an additional tax of $1 on every pack of cigarettes sold and a proportional tax on other tobacco products. The tax would be paid by those who purchase tobacco, and it would fund cancer research and tobacco prevention in the state.

California’s current tax of 87 cents per pack is well below the national average, ranking 33rd among states.

For more information, visit the Yes on Prop 29 website.