Over 160 volunteers, cancer survivors, their caregivers and family members who lost loved ones to smoking-related diseases are lobbying lawmakers to take action on Senate Bill 5626, a proposal by State Sen. Rodney Tom (D-Medina) that will increase the state cigarette tax by $1/ pack.

The revenue from the increase will be used to avoid cuts to smoking prevention and cessation programs, and preserve other health care priorities at risk in the current budget negotiations.

Wearing blue T-shirts adorned with the message “Cut Smoking, Not Prevention,” the volunteers explained to legislators that funding anti-smoking and cancer screening programs through a direct revenue stream instead of relying on general fund monies is both more sustainable in the long run and maintains priorities even in a very challenging economic climate.

Representing 43 of 49 legislative district in almost every county of Washington, the volunteers were organized by the coalition supporting the legislation, which includes the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

“We need to find ways to cut smoking and help prevent costly incurable disease without harming every day taxpayers,” said Cheryl St. Paul, a cancer survivor and ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network from Bellevue. “The state spends $1.95 billion each year on health care that’s directly related to tobacco use. That cost represents one-third of this year’s budget shortfall.”

The bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

“We’re acknowledging the tough issues of the budget, while not retreating on fundamental goals of protecting public health,” said Lucy Culp, legislative Director for the American Heart Association. “All of us in the coalition—and the hundreds of people here today—share a commitment to a healthy Washington. We’re working on a small and achievable part of that goal here today.”