Statewide Iowa (RI) — Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a new state tax on vaping products, including nicotine pouches.
Each year, $3 million from that tax will be directed to pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa.
Reynolds held a bill signing ceremony at the Stead Children’s Hospital on the campus in Iowa City, an event livestreamed by KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids. She was joined by a group of parents who began lobbying for state funding of pediatric cancer research after spending months in the hospital while their children underwent cancer treatments — treatments mainly designed for adults.
Reynolds’ husband, Kevin Reynolds, was diagnosed with lung cancer nearly three years ago and is now in remission after taking a newer type of medication.
Scott Kass and his family spent six months at the Children’s Hospital in Iowa City in 2023 after his daughter Devyn was diagnosed with leukemia. He thanked lawmakers for listening to parents like him.
Isabelle Ireland of Sigourney, a recent University of Iowa graduate, also lobbied for the funding. She was diagnosed at age 16 with an extremely rare form of ovarian cancer and was treated by UI doctors.
Dr. David Gordon, a pediatric oncologist with University of Iowa Health Care, says cancer is the leading cause of death in children.
Representative Ryan Weldon of Ankeny says Iowa is going on offense.
The vape tax doesn’t go into effect until July 1st, so it may take time before $3 million is accumulated. To ensure research can begin this summer, legislators set aside an additional $3 million in a separate bill.
KIWA Staff Photo
