How You Can Help Hold Big Tobacco Accountable
Nearly 20 years ago, a U.S. Federal District judge found that the major cigarette manufacturers violated civil racketeering laws for deliberately defrauding the public.
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Bill would make Mass. a leader against Big Tobacco
May 13, 2016
We've just celebrated another Mother’s Day, a day that for most families represents a time for celebration and joy. However, it was a somber day for the approximately 200 children in Massachusetts who have lost their mothers due to tobacco-related disease every year.
Fortunately, by working together, we can help bring that number down.
In late April, the Massachusetts Senate voted in support of a bill that would prohibit sales of electronic cigarettes to minors and include electronic cigarettes in the smoke-free workplace law, increase the legal age for tobacco product purchase from 18 to 21, and prohibit sales of tobacco in facilities that provide health care, such as pharmacies.
When combined with Massachusetts' appropriately strong tobacco taxes and 100 percent smoke-free workplace law, passage of this billwould once again make Massachusetts the leader in the fight against Big Tobacco. This could mean longer, healthier lives for mothers – and their children, families, and anyone else who might be tempted to pick up this deadly addiction – across the state.
Many of the 37,800 annual cancer diagnoses and 12,710 deaths in Massachusetts can be prevented. By protecting Massachusetts’ moms, children, and families from the dangers of tobacco and electronic cigarette use, we can help ensure that future generations are spared hearing those terrible three words, “you have cancer.”
I urge every citizen on the South Shore to encourage his or her State Representative to support this legislation when it comes to vote on the House floor. Go on line to https://malegislature.gov/People/House for appropriate contact information.
Together we can make the dying stop, in honor of our mothers..
Sincerely,
Deborah J. Cornwall
Marshfield Hills, MA
Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
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