A coalition of health organizations is working to revive a proposed $2-a-pack tax on cigarettes in California.
Carried by Sen. Kevin de León, D-Los Angeles,the bill would channel revenue from the new tax into health care and smoking prevention programs.
It is currently languishing on the suspense file. But Jim Knox, a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society, said the measure's supporters are "making another run at it."
"We're not taking no for an answer," Knox said. "We're going to push when we come back in August."
Representatives of the American Cancer Society and allies -- including the Service Employees International Union, Health Access, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association-- are meeting with lawmakers seen as potential swing votes during the summer recess. If advocates are unable to persuade legislators to take another look, Knox said the coalition will "more than likely" pursue a ballot initiative.
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