Public Health Institute Statement on Defeat of Proposition 29

STATEMENT FROM MATTHEW MARSOM, VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY & ADVOCACY

The Public Health Institute (PHI) is deeply disappointed at the defeat of Proposition 29, the California Cancer Research Act. We applaud the Yes on Proposition 29 Campaign, led by the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and others, for fighting such a strong campaign in the face of overwhelming spending from an industry willing to place profits ahead of health.

“Prop 29 would have generated more than $500 million annually in cancer research, and helped to save more than 104,000 lives, stop more than 228,000 kids from smoking, and reduce long-term health care costs by more than $5 billion. Sadly, the defeat of the ballot initiative, albeit by the closest margin in California history, will further undermine efforts to lower smoke rates and use of tobacco in the state.

“Today is not the end of the fight against Big Tobacco.  While the loss of Prop 29 is a setback for public health it is also a call to action to redouble our efforts in support of wellness and community prevention, rather than simply treating chronic disease.

“The tobacco industry is willing spend whatever it takes keep promoting their deadly products to Californians, including children.  The Public Health Institute reiterates our commitment to end the scourge of tobacco on the lives, health and well-being of so many, both in California and around the globe.”