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House Resolution Passes

Thank you to our legislative champion, Representative Art Handy (D-Cranston), for introducing a resolution at RITCN's request, declaring May 31 to be World No Tobacco Day in Rhode Island. The resolution was passed in the RI House of Representatives on Thursday May 30, 2013.
READ RESOLUTION

Action Alert!

Urgent message from the Rhode Island Tobacco Control Network (RITCN) and the American Lung Association

Increase the cigarette tax, raise revenue, protect kids, save lives!

Right now, House and Senate leaders are determining the State Budget for FY2014. The RI Tobacco Control Network and our partners at the American Lung Association are urging lawmakers to include a significant increase in the state cigarette tax (90 cents per pack) in the budget, and we are asking that a portion of this new revenue be dedicated to much-needed tobacco prevention and cessation services in Rhode Island.

The time to act is now! Urge the House and Senate Leadership to increase the cigarette tax and adequately fund tobacco prevention and cessation services in the Ocean State.

Raising tobacco excise taxes and discouraging tobacco use saves thousands of lives each year and also reduces costs associated with health care and loss of productivity. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a 90-cent increase will motivate 3,700 Rhode Islanders to quit smoking for good and will stop 2,900 kids from ever becoming addicted to cigarettes.

Let's do it! Tell the House and Senate Leadership to include a 90-cent cigarette tax increase in the budget.

Thank you,

Karina Holyoak Wood
Director, Rhode Island Tobacco Control Network

In The News!

E-Cigarette Legislation to Get Make Over
The Pawtucket Times, Opinion Pages May 3, 2013
READ ARTICLE

Rhode Island Gets Mixed Grades in Annual Tobacco Control Report
With an "F" and a "D", RI falls short in protecting residents from tobacco-caused disease and death January 15, 2013
READ ARTICLE

State of Tobacco Control: Rhode Island Report Card January 4, 2013
READ ARTICLE

The Network

RITCN is a Network of organization members, partners, and advocates.

Learn more about us, our leadership and partners by using the "About Us" tab above.

Get Involved!

Join RITCN and be part of the movement fighting against Big Tobacco.

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in RI. Join us in this fight to help save lives and improve the health of our family, colleagues and friends.

Check out this great new resource from the RI Department of Health on Smoke-Free Housing!

www.livesmokefree.ri.gov

YOUR VOICE AT THE STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
One of the most critical aspects of our work is being able to share your stories. Playing politics on these issues is nothing without the real life scenarios and people who are affected by tobacco and nicotine use - putting a "face" to the issue. We are looking for folks who quit smoking due to/in part to the increase in the price of cigarettes, and/or with help from a cessation program through Tobacco Control Program; parents who have youth who began using "little cigars" or other tobacco products, or who discovered those mints aren't just mints (but tobacco products!); doctors, residents, nurses who have first hand experience with the medical issues associated with the use of these products; etc.

Simply: We Need You! Tell us your stories, or help bring other's stories to us.

Contact Karina at RITCN today to share your story. kwood@lungne.org, 401-533-5179.

THE RITCN PAGES
Inside this website is a ton of information and resources. Dig deep and see what's been happening,
learn about the issue, and find out how to be part of this growing movement against tobacco!

2012 Statewide Legislative Agenda — Learn about this year's priorities, see the packets of info delivered to Finance Committee members at the State House, get the "Fresh Air" Palm Card.
Tools for Advocates — Get links to contact your legislators under State House Advocacy, watch the media and policy webinars, and learn what you can do at the local level to help the cause.

News and Events — Stay up to date with the latest events and read the latest news.

LEARN FROM MEDIA EXPERTS
Watch the Media Advocacy Webinar
On April 13, RITCN hosted a media advocacy webinar with experts in media on best practices for media advocacy. It was a fantastic conversation, packed filled with important perspective for your work as advocates. Our experts: Felice Freyer from the Providence Journal, Meg Fraser from Johnston Sun Rise/Cranston Herald, Dan McGowan from GoLocalProv.com, and Bill Rappleye with NBC10. Check it out on our "Media Tools" page, and share with your networks.

RETAIL 360
Big Tobacco has created a bunch of new products and marketing gimmicks to trap a new generation of customers with creative packaging, lower prices, and kid-friendly flavors.

Participate in Retail 360 and help us track what's happening in your neighborhoods!
More Info

WE CAN'T FIGHT BIG TOBACCO WITHOUT YOU!
Join RITCN and Donate

Our success depends on our strength in numbers, and the people power that brings. Please Join RITCN as an advocate, and consider a Donation today. Campaigns like these have costs in staff time and resources, as well as printing effective materials to get our message across. Any small or large donation is helpful. Thank you!