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The Senate will start debating their budget and we are asking for their support for critical funding for key prevention programs. We knew it was going to be a tough budget year we feel that it is still important for the Legislature to make investments in public health and access to care. We are asking...

Cigarettes, cigars, and the new flavored tobacco that’s recently become the rage among kids, are all addictive products. We were happy with the Legislature’s recent move to increase taxes on tobacco. Raising prices on these dangerous tobacco products is an extremely smart public policy and...

I am sitting here in the Law and Legislative Reference Library on the second floor of the State House. I might as well bring in pictures of my daughter and a plant or two. I spend more time here than I do at the office. So does my friend Hilary (sitting across from me as usual). She is the Government...

Smoking remains the number 1 preventable cause of death in New Jersey and throughout the U.S. Yet, the State of New Jersey eliminated funding for it's Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program, which funded tobacco prevention and cessation efforts around the state. The elimination of funding places NJ...

Recently, New Hampshire received a windfall of $15 million from tobacco settlement funds – this is in addition to the $42 million the state receives every year from tobacco companies for the healthcare costs caused by their products. Yet, New Hampshire has not been using any of these funds to help...

I t’s a scary number that leads to even scarier disease and death. But the good news is that we have a proven solution. Kids are particular vulnerable to price increases. By raising the state cigarette tax by just .80 cents we can prevent kids from a lifetime of addiction. And the good news gets...

It’s a scary number that leads to even scarier disease and death. But the good news is that we have a proven solution. Kids are particular vulnerable to price increases. By raising the state cigarette tax by just 95 cents, bringing us in line with neighboring states like New York, we can prevent...

It's hard to imagine now. But picture New York City 11 years ago...at a bar, restaurant or really any workplace...and cigarette smoke would have to be part of your vision. It would not be unusual for New Yorkers to be smoking at their seats while dining out, lighting up during a Broadway play, or...

Yesterday was Kick Butts Day and we had over 200 youth come to the State House to talk to their legislators about the tactics the industry uses to hook them on tobacco. Their solution? Make these tobacco products more expensive. We agree! We want to see an increase of a $1.25 on the tobacco tax and make...

You might have seen the news story last week on tobacco companies adding kitty litter to their little cigars so they can evade taxes and flavor bans. Cats everywhere are outraged. Humans everywhere should be disgusted. The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids have created a tumblr account to show the absurdity...

Wow—the first half of “Heart Month” has been a whirlwind complete with a blizzard. Just the way I like it. Although (with Cecelia’s help) we dug out from the blizzard, we have not even begun to “dig out” from all the exciting work we have this month. We started...

After many years without a tobacco increase – and an actual decrease by the legislature in 2011 of 10 cents per pack – NH lawmakers will be considering increasing the excise tax on cigarettes. There is a House Bill to increase the tax by 20 cents and yesterday Governor Hassan presented her...

As you may have heard, the Governor released his budget yesterday. We knew it was going to be a tough budget year but we are applaud the Governor for making a strong commitment to the improvement of the health of the residents. The Governor including a proposed tobacco tax of a $.1.00 and for equalizing...

Governor Cuomo will outline his vision for the coming year in his State of the State address tomorrow. The American Heart Association is fighting for chronic disease prevention and CPR training. What issues are you hoping to hear about from the Governor?

We have worked together to pass legislation in 2012 that ultimately leads to the gift of a more healthy life for Connecticut residents. Because of your support all of Connecticut’s newborns will be tested for Critical Congenital Heart Disease, our elementary school students will have 20 minutes...

Have a New Year's resolution to improve your health? Did you know 80 percent of cardiovascular disease doesn’t have to happen? That's right. Investing in tobacco control and obesity prevention - it's a smart investment. The state budget is right around the corner and the American Heart...

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and I wish you much health and happiness in 2013. I took a break to spend time with family and friends and I hope you did as well. Now I am back and ready to begin a new legislative session! I know that we will be facing many challenges in the next year, but...

Since the states settled their lawsuits against the tobacco companies in November 1998, the American Heart Association and other health organizations have issued an annual report assessing whether the states are keeping their promise to use a significant portion of their settlement funds and tobacco...

The AHA applauds this week's decision by a federal judge to uphold restrictions adopted by the city of Providence to prohibit tobacco companies from selling flavored tobacco products (other than cigarettes) and also from offering discounts to make tobacco products cheaper. Both tactics - sweet flavors...

Right now, nearly 27% of Vermont kids are overweight. Providing them with more options for physical acticity and limiting their consumption of sugary drinks can help them to be healthier. Let your legislators know that you want them to make fighting obesity a priority to help our kids and keep health...

Hi NYers...AHA is working hard to push for a statewide ban on trans fat in restaurants (yup, this dangerous fat is still there); the CPR in Schools bill (shouldn't every school teach this skill); newborn screenings for heart defects; and funding for tobacco and heart disease and stroke programs ...