The House Appropriations Committee recently advanced a Fiscal Year 2027 funding bill that maintains $246.5 million for the nation’s tobacco prevention and cessation efforts. As the Senate begins its work on the legislation, I urge Sen. Susan Collins to support this funding level at a minimum.
Preventing tobacco addiction is far less expensive than treating the diseases that result from it. Smoking-related illnesses continue to generate enormous healthcare costs for taxpayers through Medicare and Medicaid. Every successful effort to stop tobacco use reduces future healthcare expenditures and improves overall health outcomes for our country.
The CDC’s Office of Smoking and Health is a proven investment that has helped reduce long-term costs while improving public health. Funding for this office will support state and local efforts to educate young people, prevent nicotine addiction and provide cessation resources to those trying to quit.
Sen. Collins has always carefully evaluated federal spending and supports programs that demonstrate value. Maintaining the current funding reflects that approach. It is a responsible investment that helps save lives while reducing future healthcare costs.
I hope to see Sen. Collins support the House-approved funding level of at least $246.5 million as the Senate develops its version of the appropriations bill.
Abby Patenaude
Standish