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COMMUNITY FORUMS: Every Penny Counts! Mississippi Needs a Significant Cigarette Tax Increase Now News

Posted Tuesday, April 14, 2009

COMMUNITY FORUMS: Every Penny Counts! Mississippi Needs a Significant Cigarette Tax Increase Now

The Communities for a Clean Bill of Health, a statewide coalition of public health advocates, will hold host a series public forums to discuss the importance of Mississippi passing a significant cigarette tax increase. Legislators, health advocates and physicians will be available to talk to the media.

The coalition includes the Mississippi affiliates of AARP, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the Children’s Defense Fund, the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program, the Mississippi Hospital Association, the Mississippi Nurses Association, the March of Dimes, and the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi.

When/Where:

Monday, April 20, 2009, 11:30 a.m.
Rush Foundation Hospital, Meridian, MS

Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 11:30 a.m.
Lee County Library, Tupelo, MS

Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 11:30 a.m.
Percy Memorial Library, Greenville, MS

Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 11:30 a.m.
Biloxi Community Center, Biloxi, MS

Thursday, April 23, 2009, 11:30 a.m.
Hattiesburg Clinic’s 28th Place, Hattiesburg, MS

Mississippi cannot continue to leave money on the table. With mounting budget deficits affecting everything from education to car tags, the state needs a significant cigarette tax increase. These public forums are an opportunity for citizens to learn about the potential health and economic benefits of a significant cigarette tax increase and also engage their state leaders on the issue. 

Click here to sign the petition for a significant cigarette tax increase.