The former executive and scientist for America's third-largest tobacco company accused his former bosses of a variety of abuses including criminal perjury and destruction of evidence, quashing research on safe cigarettes, reckless use of harmful additives and export control violations. The story of his whistle-blowing and subsequent character assassination is the topic of the critically-acclaimed movie, ``The Insider'' released November 5th. The 9:45 a.m. press conference, on January 19th, will be in the hospital's Santa Anita Lecture Hall, 4650 Sunset Boulevard. Wigand, who was a central witness in the U.S. government's lawsuit against the tobacco industry which eventually led to the $206 billion federal tobacco settlement, will share his perspective on Big Tobacco during his endorsement of the No on 28 campaign. The Stop Big Tobacco, No on 28 campaign is being organized by a statewide grass-roots coalition effort led by the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association. Proposition 28 is a March 7th ballot initiative that, if passed, would repeal the new voter-approved 50-cent tobacco tax. The proposition, placed on the ballot by the owner of the 500-chain Cigarettes Cheaper stores, is designed to increase tobacco sales and promote smoking in California. In addition, Proposition 28 would strip California citizens of any future right to raise tobacco taxes by voter initiative. Tobacco sales in California declined by 30 percent during the first six months after the tax's enactment. Revenue generated by the tax, some $670 million so far, is solely dedicated to children and family development social programs around the state. Representatives of the California offices of the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and the American Heart Association will join Wigand in urging voters to vote No on 28. The Los Angeles press conference is part of a statewide kickoff of Stop Big Tobacco campaign events in more than 10 California regions. For more information about the campaign or Wigand's appearance please contact Alonza Robertson at 510-893-7900 ext.223 or 510-710-7469.

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