SCR 39 Text

Introduced Version « Senate Concurrent Resolution 39 History

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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 39
(By Senators Prezioso, Palumbo, Unger, Plymale and Oliverio )

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study how tobacco related taxes can be used for innovative research and discovery needed to address West Virginia's tobacco problem and increase the WVU Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center's competitiveness for National Cancer Institute designation.

Whereas, West Virginia has the highest consumption of tobacco in the United States and the fourth highest cancer mortality in the nation, including 3,800 smoking-related deaths and over 9,000 residents diagnosed with cancer annually ; and
Whereas, It is estimated that a tobacco tax increase from West Virginia's current levels to the national average for state excise taxes will generate over $100 million in additional annual revenue for several years. Every state that increases tobacco taxes has experienced increases in revenue with simultaneous reductions in tobacco use . West Virginia spends $7 million on smoking prevention and cessation, while less than one percent is used for cancer- related research . West Virginia can optimize effective tobacco prevention while discovering and testing new therapies for those already stricken by tobacco related cancers; and
Whereas, Every state bordering West Virginia, except Kentucky, has at least two National Cancer Institute designated centers. Funding of efforts to further prevention discovery, diagnosis and treatment discovery, and innovative tobacco cessation clinics will increase the WVU Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center's competitiveness for National Cancer Institute designation. The WVU Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center is the only nationally recognized tobacco cessation research program in West Virginia . National Cancer Institute centers attract high quality researchers and clinicians. Research grants and economic development and investment in research will expedite a National Cancer Institute designation assuring that West Virginia will benefit from cancer prevention, improved health outcomes and a lowered economic burden of health care for our state ; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study how tobacco related taxes can be used for innovative research and discovery needed to address West Virginia's tobacco problem and increase the WVU Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center's competitiveness for National Cancer Institute designation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

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