COLUMBUS, Feb. 4, 2025 — The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, issued the following statement in response to Governor DeWine’s operating budget proposal.

“Governor DeWine’s budget proposal prioritizes the health of Ohioans, as he has continually done during his term. We now call on the Ohio House and Senate to continue that prioritization and maintain the budget proposals the Governor has integrated, including efforts to curb youth tobacco use and consumption through tax policy changes and tobacco prevention funding,” said Dustin Holfinger, government relations director for the American Heart Association.

The Association points to the following proposals included in Gov. DeWine’s budget, which align with the Association’s policy platform:

  • Maintain the proposed increase to the tobacco excise tax of $1.50/pack
  • Maintain the proposed increase to the Other Tobacco Products Tax (from 17% to 42%) which will ensure those products are taxed at the same level as cigarettes
  • Maintain his proposed increase to the Vapor Tax (from 10 cents/mL to 20 cents/mL)

“Increases in tobacco product prices through increased taxes lead to substantial reductions in cigarette smoking for youth and young adults. This is one of the most important strategies to prevent kids from using any harmful tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, or to encourage quitting among adults,” Holfinger said.

In addition, the Association will continue to advocate for the following additional policies that influence the health and well-being of all Ohioans:

  • Providing healthy school meals for all Ohio students
  • Providing $2 million per year to increase access to nutritional food through the SNAP Double-Up (Produce Perks) program
  • Providing $606,800 per year to fund the CPR training curriculum in schools requirement
  • Providing $500,000 per year to fund the Ohio Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (OH CARES)
  • Investing in early childhood care and education

For more information on the American Heart Association’s policy work in Ohio, visit www.heart.org/Ohio. To join in the Association’s efforts to work for a healthier Ohio, text “OH” to 46839 and join the network of volunteer advocates.

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About the American Heart Association  
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.     

For Media Inquiries:
Brianne Ballard, Communications Director
614-638-2418; Brianne.ballard@heart.org 
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org