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Governor Camacho Signs Tobacco Tax Increase Bill

Revenues will go to cancer trust fund and GovGuam healthcare agencies

February 5, 2010

Governor Felix P. Camacho today signed Bill No. 150-30 into law. The legislation, now Public Law 30-80, increases the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products and allocates subsequent revenues to sources in the prevention and treatment of cancers and other diseases caused by smoking and tobacco use.

“This is a very important piece of legislation because it greatly supports with our attempt to discourage tobacco usage in our community,” said Governor Camacho. “Lt. Governor Cruz and I pledge to continue supporting all efforts that provide for a healthier quality of life for our people.”

A bill signing ceremony was held at the Guam Memorial Hospital board room in Tamuning. Joining Governor Camacho were Lieutenant Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D.; Legislative Speaker Judith T. Won Pat; Vice-Speaker Benjamin Cruz; Senators Frank Aguon, Jr. and Adolpho Palacios; Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) Administrator PeterJohn Camacho; Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Director J. Peter Roberto; and Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (DMHSA) Acting Director Elisabeth Cruz.

“I want to commend Governor Camacho and members of the Legislature for ensuring that this became law,” said Lt. Governor Cruz. “This will help us decrease tobacco usage among our people, but more importantly, it will reduce the number of tobacco-related health issues we would otherwise have to address in the future.”

According to PL 30-80, a significant amount of revenue generated from the tax increase will be deposited into the newly created Guam Cancer Trust Fund to be used by programs that support cancer screenings, treatment, and support services. Additionally, tax revenues will go to GMH, DPHSS, and DMHSA to support disease prevention programs and address future healthcare demands associated with tobacco use.

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