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McKEON/CRYAN LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH ‘LUNG CANCER RESEARCH FUND’ ADVANCES

Measure Would Provide For Voluntary Contribution On Gross Income Tax Form

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblymen John McKeon and Joseph Cryan sponsored to establish the New Jersey Lung Cancer Research Fund and allow voluntary contributions to the fund by taxpayers on state gross income tax returns was released today by an Assembly panel.

“In 2008, an estimated 215,000 individuals nationwide were diagnosed with lung cancer,” said McKeon (D-Essex.) “More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. Making it an option for a voluntary contribution to donate to this cause could save countless lives”

Under the legislation (A-3842), money in the fund would be directed exclusively to the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research. The commission will receive, evaluate and approve grants to conduct research relating to the causes, prevention, education, screening, treatment and cure of lung cancer.

“Under this measure a taxpayer would have the option of indicating on their gross income tax return that a portion of their tax refund or an enclosed contribution may be donated to the Lung Cancer Research Fund,” said Cryan (D-Union). “It would be no different than any of the 12 existing charities that a taxpayer has the option of making a donation to on their tax return.”