Dear Editor:

Finally, California voters are getting another shot at a tobacco tax. Thanks to the 634,722 registered voters who signed on in support, truckloads of petitions were turned into the State on Wednesday to get the California Cancer Research Act on the 2012 ballot (“Perata and friends move to put tobacco tax on 2012 ballot,” July 1).

The proposal, supported by the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and former Senate Pro Tem Don Perata, will tack on a $1 per pack of cigarettes to fund statewide research of tobacco-related illnesses, smoking cessation and tobacco prevention. That’s a $500 million-a-year investment in saving lives right here in California.

As a former smoker, I know all too well the damaging effects of smoking, but also how raising the price will help people quit and keep kids from starting in the first place.

It’s been more than a decade since the tobacco tax has been raised in our state. It’s never too late to do the right thing.

Lisa M. Harrison

San Ramon