Randy,  Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Medicaid funding. New smoke-free laws. It’s been a great summer at ACS CAN. We hope you had a good one too.

(Not) A Relaxing Summer for ACS CAN

In Congress, ACS CAN volunteers from key congressional districts called on their Members of Congress to extend federal funds to ensure that community health programs continue to be available to cancer patients, survivors and other Americans battling chronic diseases. 

This funding was critical to states already facing budget deficits and serious pressure to cut public health spending. ACS CAN worked closely with key congressional leaders to ensure the bill was passed before Congress’s August recess in order to provide states the funding they needed. 

Locally, ACS CAN continued its march toward making our nation smoke-free. Communities in South Carolina, Georgia and North Dakota all joined San Antonio, Texas, in passing comprehensive smoke-free laws. Today, more than 3,100 municipalities have local laws in effect that restrict where smoking is permitted. Combined, this represents nearly 79% of the U.S. population. 

Ahhh, summertime. 

STATE LEGISLATURE UPDATE

August Brings Local Smoke-Free Wins Across The Country

In South Carolina, the towns of Chapin and Chesnee passed comprehensive smoke-free laws. These victories mean the Palmetto State has passed 37 total ordinances, including seven this year. 

In Texas, San Antonio was the last of the state’s major cities to pass a comprehensive smoke-free law, joining Houston, Dallas and Austin. Their new law goes into effect in August 2011. 

Also in the South, the city of Savannah, Georgia passed an ordinance covering 100% of workplaces. Their law goes into effect on January 1, 2011. 

And, in North Dakota, the Bismarck City Council passed a law that covers all workplaces, restaurants and bars. Their law takes effect on November 1, 2010. 

Congratulations to the volunteers in all of these cities for their tremendous victories. They are an inspiration to all those communities where volunteers continue to work toward their own comprehensive smoke-free ordinances. 

We need your help to continue our success. Can you spare a few minutes, an hour or even a few hours a week to help make cancer a priority in your community? Let us know if you want to be part of our legislative activity in your state.