Public health groups call on full Assembly and Senate to pass ‘T21’ before the session ends
Today’s passage of Tobacco 21 (A273) in the state Assembly’s Health Committee was a positive step forward in preventing New York’s youth from becoming addicted to tobacco, the No. 1 preventable cause of death in New York and a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, cancer, lung disease, diabetes and asthma, according to public health groups who have been advocating for this measure.
Several organizations applauded the Health Committee, and sponsor Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-Manhattan.
According to the organizations:
The health committee took an important step today by approving Tobacco 21, and we applaud their action on behalf of all of New York’s youth. Smoking kills 28,200 New Yorkers, and costs the state $10 billion in health-care expenses every year. Ninety-five percent of smokers begin before they are 21. The tobacco industry is on the record saying if they don’t have a committed smoker by 21, chances are that person won’t be a life-long customer. And people 18 – 21 years old often provide cigarettes to younger kids. Today’s vote is an important step toward getting Tobacco 21 passed into law – and protecting kids and saving lives – before the Legislature adjourns next week.
From the health committee, Tobacco 21 goes to the Assembly Codes Committee.
Tobacco 21 is currently in the Senate Finance Committee.
Public health groups applauding the Assembly Health Committee, and advocating for passage of Tobacco 21, include:
American Heart Association
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
American Lung Association
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
March of Dimes
Medical Society of The State of New York
New York Chapter American College of Physicians
New York State Association of County Health Officials
New York State American Academy of Pediatrics
New York State Association Family Physicians
New York State Public Health Association
Roswell Park Cancer Institute