HARTFORD - In his budget message today, Gov. Lamont called for several tobacco control provisions, including restricting the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes, including menthol, in Connecticut. However, his proposal did not restrict the sale of other flavored tobacco products such as menthol cigarettes and fruit and candy flavored cigars.
The following statement can be attributed to American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Connecticut Government Relations Director Bryte Johnson:
“While we are encouraged to see Gov. Lamont put forth a package that includes policies to address tobacco, it is important the proposal be strengthened to restrict the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, cigars, hookah and smokeless tobacco. This is critical if we want to ensure the legislation has a measurable health impact and truly protects Connecticut’s kids from Big Tobacco’s continued targeting.
“Fighting tobacco use takes a comprehensive approach, and evidence shows that properly funded tobacco control programs are an essential part of this approach. While ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products can be a step in the right direction, restoring funding for the state’s tobacco control program must be a top priority for lawmakers in the 2020 legislative session.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.