Tobacco Prevention and Control Funding to be Voted Upon

On Thursday, April 23, the Joint Finance Committee will consider Tobacco Control Program funding. Here’s a link to the specific proposals under consideration: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lfb/2009-11Budget/Budget%20Papers/454.pdf

Three options that under consideration are:

*Fund the program at the governor’s recommended reduced level: $14,350,000 GPR (a reduction of $900,000 from the previous annual rate)

*Fund the program at a lower rate, $13,250,000 GPR (a total cut of $2,200,000)

*Fund the program at the previous level: $15,250,000 GPR annually (current funding)

The excise taxes and smoke free air bill are expected to come up later in the budgetary process, but before the JFC’s target end date in June.

IT IS IMPERITIVE THAT OUR LEGISLATORS KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TOBACCO PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM!

You can contact your Senator or Representative to let them know about all the great things the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program does.

If you don't know who your legislators are, you can find out here:
http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

If your legislator(s) don't serve on JFC, urge them to tell their colleagues on the Committee what you said about the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.

When you contact your Senator and Representative, don't forget to:
*Identify yourself as a constituent
*Tell them all the great things Tobacco Prevention and Control Does
http://www.tobwis.org/uploads/media/Policymakers-Program2008.pdf
* Educate them on need for continued funding and what could happen if funding is cut
http://www.tobwis.org/uploads/media/Poli-WhenStatesCutFundingFactsheet.pdf
*Stress the importance of tobacco control funding to improve the health of everyone, reduce health care costs and increase workplace productivity in Wisconsin.

If you'd like more information, please contact Emily Dieringer. edieringer@co.winnebago.wi.us