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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA SMALL BUSINESS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR ITS EFFORTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN ADVOCATING FOR AN INCREASE IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA CIGARETTE TAX.
Whereas, one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth, is to raise the price of cigarettes through tax increases; and
Whereas, South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce joined with other organizations to tirelessly advocate for an increase in the South Carolina cigarette tax so that South Carolina would not have the lowest cigarette tax in the nation; and
Whereas, by calling for a substantial increase to South Carolina's excise tax on cigarettes, the efforts of SCSBC and others will help delay death and prevent disease, stop youth smoking, and reduce low birth weight babies caused by smoking during pregnancy; and
Whereas, in recognizing the need for small businesses and their employees to have access to affordable health care, the SCSBC agreed to advocate for cigarette revenues to be used as follows: five million dollars for smoking cessation and prevention programs with the majority of the funding to be dedicated to health care thereby ensuring the State can meet its Medicaid obligations; and
Whereas, the 2010 increase in South Carolina's cigarette tax has been applauded by public health organizations and advocates across the United States. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate of South Carolina recognizes and honors the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce for its efforts and accomplishments in advocating for an increase in the South Carolina cigarette tax.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce.
This web page was last updated on June 29, 2010 at 3:21 PM