Monday, September 24, 2007

Pass Children's Health Insurance, Increase Federal Cigarette Tax - It's A Win/Win For Kids

This week, the U.S. Congress will vote on legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by increasing the federal tax on cigarettes from 39-cents per pack to $1.00 per pack, an increase of 61-cents per pack. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on Tuesday, September 25th, while the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the same legislation on Thursday, September 27th.

Increasing the federal cigarette tax is a win-win for children's health: in addition to providing much-needed medical care for our nation's low-income, uninsured youth - including those living with lung diseases such as asthma - this substantial increase of $.61 will have the added benefit of reducing youth smoking.

Please send a message to both of your Senators and your Representative today urging them to support increasing the cigarette excise tax by 61 cents to pay for SCHIP.

Sending a letter is as easy as visiting the American Lung Association's Website Here and filling out the form. You will find a sample letter there that you may edit as you wish, along with the names of your lawmakers.

Please Do It Today - The Campaign Expires September 29th.