News
2014 Legislative Session Update - Week 6
2014 Legislative Session Update
Week 6 Update
Friday, April 11, 2014
Week six of the 2014 Legislative Session has been a great example of what we can do when we work together with you and our partners!
On Monday, we had a press event together with the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Florida Association of Counties, to rally against HB 169, the dangerous e-cigarette bill that’s headed to the House Floor. The event received excellent news coverage around the state including a front page article and an editorial by the Miami Herald. Our message is getting out and we’re gaining traction!
We’re fighting back against HB 169 by Representatives Frank Artiles (R- Miami) and Ronald “Doc” Renuart (R- Ponte Vedra Beach) which seeks to strip local governments of their ability to regulate tobacco products invariably blocking all future opportunities to protect kids in the retail environment. There are currently 85 communities in Florida who have ordinances regulating the sale and placement of tobacco products. All of them would be overturned if the tobacco industry gets their way and passes this bill.
You have a unique opportunity to help us kill this bad legislation. Next week, legislators will be home in their districts for Easter break. Drop by their office! Call their staff! Take in an article from your local paper! Tell them to vote NO on HB 169 and protect Florida’s children from the dangers of tobacco products! HB 169 will be on the House floor as soon as they get back from the break! You make an impact if you take action! Click here to find you Representative in the House. Click here to find your local Senator. We need your help to fight back against this bill! If you have any questions about how you can take action, please contact Bobbie McKee at [email protected] or 813.349.4201.
Updated information on ACS CAN’s legislative priorities can be found at www.fightcancer.org/florida. You can follow the action in real-time on Twitter at @ACSCAN_Florida and please be sure to click here and “like” our new Facebook page.
Yours in the fight,
Heather
Heather Youmans
Florida Government Relations Director
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network