TALLAHASSE, FL – April 26, 2021 – Today, SB 1080 – a bill disguised as a solution to the youth tobacco epidemic – was passed by the Senate floor with a vote of 29-9.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), alongside other leading public health organizations, is urging House lawmakers to do the right thing: oppose SB 1080 and protect Florida’s youth over tobacco industry profits.
“The pandemic has shone a bright light on the importance of respiratory health, particularly among our children and teens. At such a pivotal moment for public health and amid stalled progress in the youth tobacco rate for the first time in decades, this bill would reverse years of progress in protecting youth from tobacco.
“Years of continued inaction by the state to regulate tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, demands strong, local laws that truly protect our children from a lifetime of addiction. Florida kids deserve effective protections, not to be left even more vulnerable to the industry and its predatory practices. And our localities have the right, freedom and responsibility to protect them, especially when the state won’t.
“Repealing that right is a tactic straight from Big Tobacco’s playbook and benefits no one but the industry responsible for today’s youth tobacco epidemic. On behalf of concerned parents, pediatricians and affected teens all across the state, we urge House lawmakers to preserve the right for our communities to take action to address today’s youth tobacco crisis, not listen to the special interests of Big Tobacco.”
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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.