Tobacco – Vape Tax Proposition EE launched this week with strong endorsement from child advocates including the Colorado Children’s Campaign
With diverse and bipartisan support, the Yes on Proposition EE campaign kicked off this week. Calling on Coloradoans to support children’s health and education, Gov. Polis stated yesterday, “Proposition EE is truly one of the best investments we can make in the future of Colorado, the future of our children.” The proposition, if passed, will provide $2 billion over ten years to a universal preschool program for all Colorado four-year-olds. Funded by taxes on tobacco and vape products, the measure also includes $110 million for tobacco-vape cessation and public health programs, $375 million for public schools and $35 million in critical support for affordable housing and eviction assistance.
The Colorado Children’s Campaign strongly endorsed Proposition EE earlier this summer. This proposition gives Coloradans a chance to improve child well–being by making long-term investments in programs that improve health and educational outcomes. Kids who have access to preschool are 26 percent less likely to have a significant reading deficiency in kindergarten, half as likely to be retained in kindergarten through 3rd, are more likely to meet or exceed expectations on state tests and are 10 percent more likely to graduate on time. While research shows high quality preschool improves educational, economic, and health outcomes throughout a child’s life, including higher wages, higher graduation rates and less contact with the criminal justice system, Colorado’s early childhood education system is one of the lowest funded in the country. Voters have the chance to improve Colorado’s investment in quality early learning while curbing vaping among teens.
Colorado does not currently tax vape products despite the fact that the state has one of the highest teen vaping rates in the country at 29 percent. An estimated 91,000 kids under age 18 in Colorado today will die prematurely from smoking and 1,500 kids under 18 will start a new daily smoking habit this year. Raising the price of these products is one of the most effective ways to discourage their use among young people.
To learn more about the measure and what you can do to help, please visit https://forcokids.com/
