''They Lied'' Ads Begin Airing; ''Yes on Prop 86'' Campaign Launches Ads to Expose the Tobacco Industry.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Yes on Proposition 86 campaign began the first of its paid advertising campaign today in Sacramento with an ad entitled, "They Lied." The ad reiterates the fact that the tobacco industry lied to Congress about their deadly and addictive product and now it is attempting to lie to California voters about Proposition 86.

"We can't outspend the tobacco industry so we've got to be more creative and compelling as we connect with voters," said Paul Knepprath of the American Lung Association of California. We believe voters will understand that Prop 86 is about reducing smoking and saving lives. We have the truth and facts on our side. Voters know that the cigarette companies have lied to Congress, to the American public and we want them to know that Big Tobacco is now lying to them about Prop 86."

The ad opens with the unforgettable visual of tobacco industry representatives lying before Congress about smoking not being addictive. It then moves to a shot of three monkeys in the "hear no evil" "do no evil" and "speak no evil" mocking portrayal of exactly what tobacco companies will do to defeat Proposition 86: say, do and spend anything. The ad closes with a reminder of who is supporting Prop 86 and the statistical benefits it will provide all Californians.

"Tobacco companies have lied under oath to Congress and that they've been found guilty of lying to the public for five decades about the dangers of smoking. It's clear the great lengths to which big tobacco will go to protect and build its business. Tobacco company success only results in addiction, disease and death for the rest of us," said Jim Knox of the American Cancer Society, California Division. "Californians will see through the smokescreen of lies and distortions and support Prop. 86 to dramatically reduce smoking in California."

According to the California Legislative Analyst, Prop. 86 will generate approximately $2 billion in annual revenue. California's Department of Health Services found that Proposition 86 will prevent more than 700,000 kids from becoming smokers, it will save 300,000 lives from smoking-related deaths, and it will save more than $16 billion in healthcare costs.

Proposition 86 supporters include California's major health care advocates: the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association of California, American Heart Association, the Children's Partnership, emergency room physicians and nurses, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, League of California Cities, California State PTA, California Black Health Network, Latino Coalition for Healthy California, and many others.

To view "They Lied" please visit: www.yesprop86.com.

Yes on Proposition 86 -- A coalition of health organizations promoting disease research, tobacco control, emergency care and children's health services. Major funding by California Hospital Committee on Issues, sponsored by California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems and the American Cancer Society, California Division Inc. 555 Capitol Mall, Suite 1425, Sacramento, CA95814