WILMINGTON, DE — Leading national health organizations are rallying behind a sweeping tobacco tax proposal from Matt Meyer, calling it a decisive move that could sharply cut smoking rates, curb youth addiction, and save millions in long-term health care costs.
In a joint statement, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids praised Meyer for including a $1.50-per-pack increase on cigarettes in his proposed budget, along with higher taxes on other tobacco products.
The groups said the measures reflect one of the most effective, evidence-based strategies for reducing tobacco use, particularly among young people.
Health advocates estimate the cigarette tax increase alone would reduce youth smoking in Delaware by nearly 10%, prevent about 600 young people from becoming adult smokers, prompt roughly 2,400 current users to quit, and save the state an estimated $39 million in future health care costs.
The organizations also emphasized the importance of applying higher taxes broadly across tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to prevent users from simply switching to lower-tax alternatives.
Advocates urged lawmakers to move quickly on House Bill 215, which would significantly raise the cigarette tax and move Delaware closer to equalizing tax rates across most tobacco products. They said swift legislative action would build on the governor’s proposal and accelerate public health gains.
The groups thanked Meyer and his administration for prioritizing prevention and said they look forward to working with both the governor’s office and the General Assembly as the bill advances.
If enacted, the proposal would mark one of the most significant tobacco control measures in Delaware in years, signaling a renewed push to use tax policy as a frontline public health tool.
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