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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jaret Gibbons |
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Gibbons introduces legislation to aid in prostate cancer research
HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Lawrence/Beaver/Butler, recently introduced legislation to create a Prostate Cancer Education and Prevention Check-off program, which would enable residents to donate funds through their state income tax returns.
Gibbons said that his legislation (H.B. 2391) would add a space to the Pennsylvania individual income tax return where residents could voluntarily donate a portion of their refund to prostate cancer research and education. The state already has a similar check-off program for breast and cervical cancer research.
“Prostate cancer is the second-deadliest cancer for men to have,” Gibbons said. “Since one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important that we invest more in early detection and education programs. My bill would allow citizens to help that effort.”
The funds collected through the check-off program would be transferred to the state Department of Health, which would select the organizations to receive funding. The organizations would create programs to aid prostate cancer awareness, early detection and screening.
“This program would be a great way for residents to help a worthy cause without raising their taxes or costing the state extra money,” Gibbons said.
Pennsylvania currently has a similar program for cancers affecting women, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Check-off program.
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