American Cancer Society will push for legislation to increase tobacco taxes in 2013 rather than 2012

By Michelle Wirth

Atlanta, GA – According to data from the Georgia Department of Community Health, every year one out of every six adult deaths in the state is from a tobacco related illness. To help prevent those deaths and keep more from lighting up, the American Cancer Society wants Georgia to raise tobacco taxes. Eric Bailey is a grass roots advocacy manager with the organization.

"We have some of the cheapest tobacco products in the county due to our state excise tax being so below the national average."

The American Cancer Society wants the excise tax on cigarettes raised from 37 cents a pack to $1 dollar a pack.

However, Bailey says the organization does not intend to go after legislation to support the increase during the upcoming legislative session.

"Any legislator will probably tell you it's not very popular to pass any tax increase, especially during an election year, even tobacco."

Bailey says the organization hopes the state will raise the tax in 2013. In the meantime, the organization will work to get smoking banned from bars, restaurants and adult entertainment venues in cities and counties throughout Georgia.