Health care advocates who oppose a petition drive to overturn new taxes to support Dirigo Health will speak out at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Portland.

The American Cancer Society, the Maine Medical Association, AARP, and others will talk about their opposition to the drive at the Thomas Brackett Reed Statute.

Earlier this month, a group of business leaders and industries announced that they will work to gather the more than 55,000 signatures necessary to force a vote by the public on a new law that raises taxes to support Dirigo Health. The law would increase taxes on soda, beer, wine and other beverages.