Lung Association Hosts Tobacco Tax Press Conference

ALBANY, NY (06/02/2008)(readMedia)-- -- -- --

WHO: Press conference call speakers:

-- Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner of the New York State Health Department

-- Michael Seilback, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, American Lung Association of NYS

-- Michele Tufano, Coalition Director, Smoking & Health Action Coalition (Monroe County)

-- Susan Kennedy, Director, Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties)

-- Maureen Kenney, Director, POW’R Against Tobacco (Putnam, Orange, Westchester and Rockland counties)

-- Mathew Pathrose, Education and Outreach Specialist, POW'R to be Tobacco Free Cessation Center (Putnam, Orange, Westchester and Rockland counties)

-- Amie Hendrix, Program Director Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes, (Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties)

WHAT: Press conference call to discuss the June 3, 2008, enactment of a $1.25 increase in New York State’s tobacco excise tax.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. To help ensure the conference begins in a timely manner, please dial in 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Dial (877)718-5106, the pass code is: 7408748 and the title is Tobacco Tax Call.

WHY: With the June 3 increase in tobacco excise tax, New York State stands at the forefront as the national public health leader in tobacco taxation. By making smoking expensive and inconvenient, the increase will eventually save the lives of over 77,000 youth who will be prevented from becoming smokers, and save more then 37,000 adult New Yorkers from a tobacco-caused death by helping them quit.

AGENDA: Speakers will highlight the positive effects on public health that will be realized from the additional excise tax. Questions will be answered at the conclusion of the call.

CONTACT: Contact Brian Marchetti at bmarchetti@alanys.org or at (518) 465-2013 x 322.

NOTE - Local individuals from across New York State who are quitting, or considering quitting, due to this tax increase are available to be interviewed. Please contact Brian Marchetti at the above for contact information for these individuals.

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