Tobacco Rally: If You Must Smoke, Smoke Fish
 Governor: "It's Your Choice", 135.2k mp3  More Audio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2004 No. 04-063

Governor Murkowski Joins Teens Against Tobacco Use For Capitol Steps Rally

Juneau — Governor Murkowski shared the microphone with members of Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU), a politically-active group of high school students whose aim is to increase awareness of the dangers of teen smoking, during a Capitol steps rally at noon today.

The rally was to support the Governor’s proposed $1.00 per pack tobacco tax increase—HB 538 and SB 368. High school student and TATU member Kate Conway emceed the rally — and plugged the theme, “If You Must Smoke, Smoke Fish.”

Other TATU members performed a skit and Clay Werthweimer roused the crowd with reasons why teenagers should make healthy choices and turn away from tobacco. “I don’t have much money and I don’t want to be spending it on tobacco,” said Werthweimer to a crowd of approximately 60 teenagers and adults.

Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Joel Gilbertson added that a further drop in youth smoking rates of just 15 percent from current levels would translate into 1,800 lives saved from premature death due to tobacco addiction among Alaska high school students alive today.

“Today is a day to kick, kick, kick butts,” said Murkowski to the teens. “You are young and, once you are old enough to purchase cigarettes, you have a choice to make. I want you to choose to not smoke.”

Research has shown that increasing the cost of tobacco deters young people from smoking because they are less likely to be able to afford the habit. The Governor’s tobacco tax increase of $1.00 per pack would raise $35.5 million for the general fund.

American Lung Association of Alaska Executive Director Christie Garbe led the crowd in a cheer and thanked the teens for their participation.

Teen attendees received free T-shirts and adults and youth alike were given “Kick Butts” stickers and offered smoked king salmon provided by the Alaska Seafood Company and Jerry’s Meats of Juneau.

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E-mailable photos of the event are available upon request.

	Governor: "It's Your Choice" (135.2k mp3) - Governor Murkowski encourages the crowd of young people gathered on the Capitol steps to support his proposed $1 per pack tobacco tax increase, to protect their health by making wise decisions about tobacco use. :34 “… to start smoking.”
	Let’s Kick Butts (89k mp3) - Governor Murkowski leads the crowd in a “Kick Butts” chant to cap the tobacco tax rally on the steps of the Capitol in Juneau. :22 “…thank you (applause).”