WGXC-90.7 FM

Health advocates are urging Cuomo to raise tax on tobacco products

May 15, 2020 12:45 pm
Bridget Peschel is reporting for the Legislative Gazette health advocates are urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to maintain funding for Medicaid and other public health programs by increasing the tax levy on tobacco products. In all, 31 public health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, signed onto a letter that suggested that imposing a higher tax on tobacco products would not only raise the needed revenue, it would also serve as an effective way to curb tobacco use, especially among young people. Before the COVID-19 crisis began, the state faced a $6 billion budget deficit, with Medicaid spending responsible for about $4 billion of that shortfall. On April 3, the state budget was approved, including a restructured Medicaid program and hundreds of millions in cuts. However, the restructuring has been delayed until the health crisis is over so that New York can remain eligible for federal aid. The proposal put forward by the groups would increase the cigarette tax by one dollar per pack. Read the full story in the Legislative Gazette.
Wave Farm / WGXC Acra Contact Info
info@wavefarm.org
info@wgxc.org
Mailing: PO Box 13 Acra, NY 12405
Main Office / Acra Studio
(518) 622-2598
WGXC Office
(518) 697-7400
WGXC Hudson Studio
(518) 828-0290
WGXC Feedback
(518) 212-7509 feedback@wgxc.org
Wave Farm / WGXC Acra Studio: 5662 Route 23 Acra, NY 12405
WGXC Hudson Studio: 369 Warren St. Hudson, NY 12534