HARTFORD – As Connecticut lawmakers continue to debate a proposal that would end the sale of flavored tobacco in the state, leading public health organizations are calling on the legislature to reject the current language, which is rife with dangerous loopholes. The following statement can be attributed to Bryte Johnson, direct of government relations for ACS CAN in Connecticut:
“The science is clear: tobacco use kills, and new generations of kids are getting hooked on this deadly addiction, often initiating with flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. While optimistic early on that Connecticut lawmakers would join the growing number of cities and states to end the sale of flavored tobacco products, it’s become clear that Big Tobacco has drowned out the voice of the public health community by watering down current language to its weakest form.
“We urge lawmakers to reject the current flavored tobacco language being considered by Connecticut lawmakers in the budget implementer, as it’s rife with dangerous loopholes that will prevent it from having significant lifesaving impact. Connecticut kids deserve better than this. We urge lawmakers to revisit this issue next year, with strong, comprehensive language that includes menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.