Lansing, MI – May 16, 2019 – The following statement can be attributed to Andrew Schepers, director of government relations in Michigan for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
“ACS CAN is dismayed that the legislature passed legislation yesterday to add e-cigarettes to the Youth Protection Act that does not go far enough to protect our youth. As we face an epidemic of youth and young adults using e-cigarettes, it is important that e-cigarettes be regulated in the same manner as cigarettes and other tobacco products. Failing to regulate e-cigarettes as part of proven tobacco control policies is contributing to what is now a public health epidemic.
“Senate bills 106 and 155 miss the mark in providing comprehensive protections that our kids and all Michiganders deserve. While this legislation attempts to take e-cigarettes out of the hands of our kids, the legislation fails to take them out of public places and fails to provide a disincentive to purchase the products. Only by approaching this issue with a comprehensive approach will truly be able to say we’re fully protecting Michigan’s children.
“This year alone, 16,200 Michigan adults will die from their own smoking and 4,400 kids will become new daily smokers. Now was not the time to reduce efforts or ignore the tobacco problem that plagues Michiganders.
“ACS CAN calls on Governor Whitmer to protect the health of Michiganders by vetoing this e-cigarette legislation and work with the legislature to pass comprehensive legislation that will have an impact. Together we can protect our kids from a lifelong addition to tobacco products.”
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.
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