WHY VOTERS SHOULD VOTE "YES" ON MEASURE NO. 3
Not one penny of tax money would be used to fund this new tobacco prevention program. Instead the program would be funded by money that North Dakota receives from the tobacco companies as part of the tobacco settlement.
Tobacco use continues to take a toll on North Dakota residents. Tobacco use kills more than 900 North Dakota residents every year and costs the state $247 million just in annual excess health care costs – much of it borne by taxpayers. Each year, more than 2,500 kids in North Dakota try their first cigarette, and another 800 kids become regular smokers. One third of these smokers will eventually die from their addiction.
Tobacco prevention programs work. After funding for tobacco prevention was increased in California, smoking rates have dropped to 14 percent, compared to 21 percent for North Dakota, and lung cancer rates have declined 4 times faster than in North Dakota
Funding North Dakota ’s tobacco prevention and cessation efforts at the CDC-recommended level would save lives and money, and would:
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Stop 4,500 North Dakota kids from becoming addicted adult smokers
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Reduce youth smoking by 12.7%
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Prompt more than 3,500 current adult smokers to quit for good
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Save more than 2,380 North Dakota citizens from dying prematurely from smoking
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And, save North Dakota $113 million in related healthcare costs
Over 42 public health organizations have endorsed Measure 3; including the American Lung Association of North Dakota, the March of Dimes, the North Dakota Medical Association, the North Dakota Nurses Association and the Respiratory Therapist. Please join these organizations and vote “Yes”.
KEEP OUR PROMISE TO NORTH DAKOTA'S KIDS
VOTE "YES ON MEASURE NO. 3
NORTH DAKOTA PRAIRIE POLL
A survey of voters conducted by the North Dakota Prairie Poll in late September favored the initiated measure (No. 3 on the state measures ballot) 59.3-19.3 percent.-PDF
NDEA ENDORSES MEASURE NO. 3
The North Dakota Education Association (NDEA) was among four major education groups to declare their support of Measure 3.
CDC: Tobacco Use and Academic Achievement-PDF
STP Statement on Education and Tobacco-PDF
Berg Request for Attorney General Opinion
On October 10, 2008 Representative Rick Berg (R-Fargo) requested an opinion from the Attorney General regarding Measure No. 3. The Support Tobacco Committee has provided a response to his questions. The opinion request--PDF. The response-PDF
SEPTEMBER 29, 2008
Press conferences were held in Fargo & Bismarck today where over 40 organizations were featured for their support on Measure 3. Several representatives were on hand to share with the media as to why they are supporting a YES vote on Measure 3. To find out more on the press conference and list of current supporters click here:
- Press Packet -PDF
- Group Announces Support for Measure 3: -Link
SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
A special report by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids was put out entitled: A Win Win Solution for North Dakota's Health and Economy. The report details the what Measure 3 will do, how it will save lives and reduce health care costs and lost productivity in North Dakota.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2008
On September 3rd, the Secretary of State's Office accepted 16,394 signatures which makes the measure a part of the official November 4th ballot. We will now be looking forward to an overwhelming YES vote on MEASURE 3. To place a statutory measure on the ballot in ND, a measure must have 12,844 signatures. So in 3 months we have collected almost 4000 more signatures than what was required. This amazing effort shows North Dakota voters' tremendous support for the measure.
IN THE NEWS
Measure 3 the Best Option-Link
An opportunity to Improve Academic Achievement -PDF
Why Voters Should Vote for Measure 3 -Link
A Win Win Solution For North Dakota's Health and Economy -Link
AP story on the filing of the Petitions -Link
Bill would Boost Tobacco Control Effort: Minot Daily -Link
Group Seek Measure on Tobacco Money -Link
Supporting Tribune Editorial: Coleman -Link
Tobacco Control Funds Necessary: Mangskau -Link
Use Tobacco Funds More Wisely: Bismarck Tribune Editorial -Link
