Dear Community Business Partners,

By now it is common knowledge that Indiana is an unhealthy state, often among the worst in the nation for smoking and obesity. But it’s becoming clearer that Indiana’s poor health rankings don’t exist in a vacuum. 

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce released a new report in June of 2020 that indicates Indiana lags our neighbors on key health metrics like smoking, obesity and health insurance costs. So, why do businesses care about health? One reason is because it affects the cost of doing business in Indiana.  

Policymakers have started to notice. Recently, they raised the legal tobacco age to 21 to combat high smoking rates, but it is simply not enough. If state leaders are serious about addressing Indiana’s health challenges—and strengthening our economy—they need to raise the cigarette tax and invest more in health programs and services.

The problem is real and growing worse, and health and business leaders agree on the solution. Let’s hope lawmakers will raise the cigarette tax next chance they get.

For more information on how your business can become smoke free visit https://www.quitnowindiana.com/healthy-workplace