TALLAHASSEE, FL – September 9, 2020 – Today, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed SB 810. The statement below is issued on behalf of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation/Tobacco21 in reaction.
“While we appreciate the legislature’s commitments and efforts to address today’s alarming youth tobacco use rates, SB 810 would have done little to reduce youth tobacco use. At such a critical time for public health, the bill falls short of the measures needed to adequately protect our youth from the influence of the tobacco industry and their allies.”
“According to the CDC’s recently released 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, half (50.1%) of high schoolers have used an e-cigarette. Alarmingly, 32.6% of youth e-cigarette users reported frequent use citing use at least 20 days a month. To truly restrict youth access to all tobacco products, Florida must hold non-compliant retailers accountable by assessing graduated fines coupled with license suspension and revocation for repeat violators who sell illegally to kids, as well as regulate all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, in the same manner.”
“Our organizations look forward to working with lawmakers in the coming session to ensure our state enacts the evidence-based policies that will adequately address the alarming tobacco use rates among our youth and safeguard our kids from the tobacco industry’s growing pressures for generations to come.”
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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.
About the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a leading force in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its deadly toll in the United States and around the world. Our vision: A future free of the death and disease caused by tobacco. We work to save lives by advocating for public policies that prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. For more information, visit tobaccofreekids.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation/Tobacco 21
The Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation/Tobacco 21 works to reduce youth use and addiction of tobacco and nicotine products by advocating for policies that raise the legal sales age, establishing strong enforcement protocols, and supporting other proven tobacco control initiatives.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.