Councilmembers Perry & Parks lead effort for city support of Prop 29
Prop 29: Funds Research, Saves Lives, and Supports Prevention Efforts
LOS ANGELES, CA – Councilmembers Jan Perry and Bernard C. Parks received unanimous support from the City Council for their resolution in favor of Proposition 29. Prop 29, which is on the June 5th ballot, would create a $1 tobacco tax to support prevention efforts and cancer research.
“An estimated 336,000 children and 585,000 nonsmoking adults throughout Los Angeles County are exposed to secondhand smoke which is associated with a wide variety of diseases and health problems from asthma to cancer. We can do more to support prevention and research efforts—Prop 29 allows us this opportunity,” said Councilwoman Perry, who authored the resolution. “Prop 29 will help save lives.”
This new $1 tobacco tax – paid only by those who purchase tobacco products – is estimated to save 104,000 lives; stop 228,000 kids from smoking; and generate approximately $735 million every year to support life-saving research and tobacco prevention programs. Prop 29 will also provide vital funding to make advances in prevention, detection and treatment of cancer, heart disease and other smoking-related illnesses.
“Prop 29 will support our underserved communities; our community leads the county in smoking and related illnesses such as asthma and cancer, while lacking the necessary health and social services needed to address this public health crisis,” added Councilmember Parks who represents the Eighth Council District which encompasses the majority of South Los Angeles. “This measure goes hand in hand with my current proposed ordinances to reduce cigarettes near school areas, and to prohibit second-hand smoke in all public places.”
Prop 29 is endorsed by the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the Livestrong Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer. Both the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the LAUSD School Board have also taken positions in support of Prop 29.
“We are thankful for the leadership of Councilmembers Parks and Perry, and the entire Los Angeles City Council. Today they showed voters that they clearly side with what is in the best interest for a healthier Los Angeles. They know that by giving their support to the Yes on Proposition 29 campaign we have a chance to change the tide. The proposed $1 tobacco tax – paid only by those who purchase tobacco products – will save 104,000 lives, stop 228,000 kids from smoking, and generate more than $735 million every year to support advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of heart disease, cancer and other smoking-related illnesses in California. It is also a revenue generator as it will create 12,000 new jobs for the state of California,” said Eric Batch, vice president of Advocacy for the American Heart Association Western States Affiliate.
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