Oregon City Supports Statewide Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products
OREGON CITY, OR — Oregon City has taken a stand against flavored tobacco products by passing a resolution on Wednesday that calls for an end to their sale.
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January 2018 State Update
January 29, 2018
ACS CAN Massachusetts is focusing on a variety of issues in the 2017-2018 Legislative Session. Below is an update on those that have had movement in the past month.
Tobacco Bill Status
Comprehensive tobacco control legislation which would increase the age of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21, prohibit sales of tobacco in pharmacies, add electronic-cigarettes to the state’s smoke-free workplace law, require child-proof caps on liquid nicotine containers and prohibit tobacco use on public and private school property.
The bill was reported out favorably by the Joint Committee on Public Health the week of January 12th. It was sent to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing where it is expected to be briefly reviewed by that committee. We expect it will be sent to the House floor for a vote in the next few weeks.
Action items:
We are looking for photos of students or young professionals that want to work with us on this campaign. They would be featured on our social media page and delivered to lawmakers with their reason why they want this law to pass.
We are also still looking for stories of past or current smokers that started using tobacco prior to age 21 to share with our lawmakers, as well as doctors or organizations to write a letter in support of the legislation. Please connect with Melissa via email at [email protected] or via phone at 508-270-4683 if you have a story to share or are interested in writing a letter.
More on tobacco:
The City of Springfield became the 167 Massachusetts municipality to increase the age of sale for tobacco to 21 with the City Council giving final passage to the measure the week of January 12th.
The Board of Health in the town of Winthrop released draft regulations to increase the age of sale for tobacco in town to 21. In addition, the regulations would expand tobacco definition, cap permits, improve cigar policy, ban blunt wraps, ban tobacco sales in pharmacies and flavored tobacco/vape sales restriction. The Board will hold a public hearing on January 23rd.
HOW DOES MASSACHUSETTS MEASURE UP? On August 3rd, ACS CAN released its 15th annual How Do You Measure Up? A Progress Report on State Legislative Activity to Reduce Cancer Incidence and Mortality. The report examines how states are progressing on critical cancer issues, and outlines what states can do to reduce the cancer burden. The full report is now available at www.fightcancer.org/measure. Massachusetts measured up to policy recommendations in six of the nine issue areas ranked, second only to California with seven of nine. No other state measured up in more than five issue areas.
Join ACS CAN
A minimum gift of $10 to ACS CAN will make you a member for one year. For ACS CAN membership benefits, go to https://www.fightcancer.org/content/acs-can-membership-benefits. To become a member, go to www.fightcancer.org/donate. For more information about ACS CAN Massachusetts, visit http://fightcancer.org/ma or contact Melissa Stacy, Grassroots Manager, at [email protected] or 508-270-4683.
The Staggering Costs of Cancer
www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/costs-cancer
The first ACS CAN report to examine the costs of treating cancer underscores the need for policies that ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable health coverage that includes recommended cancer prevention and treatment.
Upcoming Events:
- February 10: ACS CAN is recruiting lead volunteers for Representative Clark’s district, Congressional District 5, and for Representative Capuano’s district, Congressional District 7. If you or someone you know is passionate about advocacy, and is interested in this important volunteer leadership position we’d love to talk with you. You can find the position description HERE and the position application HERE. Applications are due February 10, and then follow up calls and interviews will be scheduled. If you would like to talk through the position, or have any questions, please reach out to Melissa at [email protected] or 508-270-4683.
- March 1: ACS CAN Massachusetts will host its monthly advocacy call on Thursday, January 25 at 6:30pm. Join to hear the latest updates regarding our priority issues at the state and federal levels, as well as ways you can take action over the next month. The call-in number is 1-917-727-7985 and the conference ID is 15590430. Anyone is welcome to attend!
- March 28: Massachusetts Lobby Day: Join fellow advocates, cancer survivors and caregivers to meet with your Massachusetts lawmakers and ask them to support legislation that will help eliminate cancer as a major health problem.
Check in starts at 10am, our program starts at 11am, and visits with lawmakers start at 12:30pm and end at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided.
ACS CAN Staff will schedule appointments with your lawmakers as you register based on your home address. We will also train you and answer any questions you may have in advance.
If you have any questions, please email Melissa at [email protected] or call 508-270-4683.
- June 18, 2018: Now in its 11th year, the annual ACS CAN New England Research Breakfast brings together more than 250 leaders from business, life sciences, and healthcare who come together to support ACS CAN’s efforts to fight cancer on Beacon Hill, in Washington D.C., and in state capitals across the country. For more information on the event, please contact Lexa at [email protected].
