Ohio Budget Bill (HB 59)

We have great news to share today!

The Ohio Budget Bill (HB 59) has been moving through the process and is now in Senate Finance Committee.  We know an amendment has been offered to equalize the Other Tobacco Products tax with the cigarette tax and to use some of the revenue to fund tobacco prevention.  Today, we had 5 superstars offer testimony in support in committee!  Special thanks to Liz Klein, Linda Diamond, Holly Kowalczk, Bruce Barcelo and Terry Allen!

Now, we need your support!  This weekend, leadership will be discussing all amendments.  We need to turn on the grassroots support for this issue. 

How can you help?  Encourage everyone you know to respond to the alert below.  Let’s make sure they hear from grassroots constituents on this issue.  Join the superstar status by helping the grassroots groundswell! 

If you want to be supernova status, you can also place a call into your Senator’s office.  (After you click on the link below, you can use the same messaging as in the e-alert.)  Be sure to let us know.  We want to give you credit!

During Linda’s testimony today, she shared the following:

“A very wise man once told me you should measure what you do by asking yourself “Will it matter in 50 years?”   Senators, what you do right now with equalizing tobacco taxes and providing programs and services to youth and adults will definitely matter in 50 years.” 

I think this applies to all of us as well.  It may be another email sent, but it truly can make a difference.  Let’s get this done! 

Thanks for your help!    

Cresha Auck Foley, MA
Government Relations Director, Ohio