Phoenix, Ariz. – Today the Arizona Senate voted 18 to 10 to support Big Tobacco over Arizona kids. The Senate passed a tobacco industry bill that would strip the right of local communities to protect their kids from deadly tobacco products and help people already addicted to quit. A coalition of health advocacy organizations, Arizona cities and education groups strongly opposes House Bill 2682 and urges the Arizona House of Representatives to defeat it.
The bill is a disguised attempt by the tobacco industry to comply with a federal law passed in 2019 that raised the national age for tobacco sales to 21. However, the federal Tobacco 21 doesn’t require states to pass any legislation to comply.
The following is a statement from the health advocacy groups:
“House Bill 2682 is unnecessary legislation and a dangerous concession to Big Tobacco. As health advocacy organizations, we work hard at the local, state and federal levels and support each level of government’s ability to enact policies to protect public health. We strongly oppose this harmful attack on local governments’ authority to implement policies that protect youth against the tobacco industry’s predatory tactics. We call on the Arizona House of Representatives to safeguard our local democracy and put the health and lives of Arizona kids before Big Tobacco’s interests and bottom line.”
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
American Heart Association
American Lung Association in Arizona
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation and Tobacco 21
###
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.
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 Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is the leading advocacy organization working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with more than 20-year track record of leading and supporting successful policy advocacy campaigns. Through strategic communications and policy advocacy campaigns, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids work to change public attitudes about tobacco and promote proven policies that are most effective at reducing tobacco use and save the most lives. For more information, please visit https://tobaccofreekids.org
About the Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation and Tobacco 21
Established in 1996 to reduce the terrible toll of smoking through education, advocacy, and policy change. The Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation works nationwide to advance strong tobacco control legislation that prevents youth initiation and addiction to tobacco and nicotine. To learn more visit tobacco21.org.