South Carolina Advocacy Updates
Cigarette Tax Passes!
On Thursday, May 13th by a vote of 33-13, the SC Senate voted to override the Govenor's veto to increase the cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack. The SC House had previously overridden the veto by a vote of 90-29 earlier in the week. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2010.
On behalf of the SC Chapter of the March of Dimes, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the 123 legislators that voted to increase our lowest in the nation cigarette tax. This increase will go a long way in reducing the number of women of childbearing age that smoke by providing funding for needed smoking cessation programs. Moms-to-be that do not smoke have a better chance of delivering healthy babies and providing a significant cost savings in health insurance in our state. It will also make a tremendous difference in the lives of the over 62,000 babies born in South Carolina each year, many of whom are born with special health needs.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the volunteers that made this day possible. Your support in the form of your time, e-mails, calls and letters to elected officials has been tremendous. Thanks to you, we are one step closer to making the Palmetto State healthier for our babies!
2010 SC Lobby Day
On March 23, 20 March of Dimes volunteers converged on the state house to advocate for a tobacco tax increase and to oppose a cut in income eligibility for CHIP. The day began with an informative and motivating briefing from Representative Anton Gunn who told the group why their message was important. Volunteers were also able to witness the Senate Finance Committee's debate on the health budget and see first-hand the tough issues before the state. Volunteers visited 32 legislative offices during the day. It was an amazing event and the volunteers left motivated and charged to carry forward our mission through the rest of the legislative session and into March for Babies season.
Click here and here to read the speaking points on our advocacy issues from Lobby Day.
Public Affairs Highlights
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control was recently recognized for Excellence in Newborn Screening! Read more about partners working towards the main goal, healthy babies!
Have you met SC's new Volunteer Public Affairs Chair, Libba Patterson? Find out more about Libba http://law.sc.edu/faculty/patterson/
