Funds needed for tobacco prevention

To The Eagle:

What could the Senate possibly be thinking?? They’ve passed a bill (SB 5542) that ties any funding for the Tobacco Prevention Program to monies that might be collected to license cigar bars - where people are allowed to smoke indoors. How ludicrous is that!

Our county in particular needs help getting people to quit – as just pointed out in the Pathways 2020 report. You know, it is not just lung cancer that is caused by smoking – it also plays a role in a number of other cancers.

Contact your Senator. Let’s put a stop to this ridiculous bill. We need funds for tobacco prevention in the general fund – not tied to more smoking.

Dorothy Bain Hanson

Longview