President and CEO, American Lung Association

10-30-07

Bernadette Toomey

Big Tobacco thinks it has won. Once again, Congress failed to attain a veto-proof majority for the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Now, the bill faces an expected veto, condemning millions of low-income children—many suffering from asthma and lung disease—to continue to live without health insurance, without access to specialists, without the medications they desperately need.
Why does Big Tobacco oppose SCHIP? Because they don't want a 61 cents-per-pack tax increase. Because Big Tobacco doesn't want to discourage smoking. And it's our children who will pay the price. Ridiculous.


It is us versus Big Tobacco – and it is about time that we win. But we need your support to continue the fight. Please donate to the American Lung Association:


https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Simple/Donor.asp?ievent=254430&msource=schip07c&en=lwIRL7NWKmKVK8NVJcLQKdO5IoKYIgPYIjIUKhMaIAK
Increasing the federal cigarette tax is a win-win for children's health; in addition to providing much-needed medical care for our nation's low-income, uninsured youth — including those living with lung diseases such as asthma — this substantial increase of $.61 will have the added benefit of reducing youth smoking.

This isn't about Democrats or Republicans – this is about the health of our children. It's about access to critical medical care, about reducing youth smoking, about breathing easier. Eight in ten Americans—majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—support the expansion.1 Yet, Washington is at a crossroads, unable to force the change our children need.

The American Lung Association will continue to fight for this change. But we need your support. Please donate $25 dollars today:

https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Simple/Donor.asp?ievent=254430&msource=schip07c&en=lwIRL7NWKmKVK8NVJcLQKdO5IoKYIgPYIjIUKhMaIAK
Enough is enough. We demand that our children have the health care they desperately need and we ask that you join us in this important fight.

Thank you for your help,

Bernadette Toomey
President and CEO, American Lung Association


The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.