Michigan Kids Lose As Legislative Dysfunction Leads to Early House Adjournment

Bills that would have protected youth, held retailers accountable were only one procedural vote from heading to the Governor’s desk

LANSING – Michigan kids were the losers today due to dysfunction in Lansing that resulted in lack of policy advancement in the House during the last week of the Lame Duck session, the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance said today.

After the House adjourned today, Alliance leaders issued the following statement:

“The Michigan Legislature failed Michigan families by not passing strong policies that protect them from tobacco and nicotine addiction. There was too much at stake for representatives to throw in the towel without taking action on important issues that impact our state,” said Jodi Radke, regional director for the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and co-chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “Legislation to protect our youth was one step away from heading to the Governor’s desk and now our kids will continue to be targeted by Big Tobacco and be sold tobacco products without any consequences.”

“As a mother, a Detroiter, a health advocate, and a Black woman, I am beyond disgusted by the political gamesmanship that took precedence over the health of our kids,” said Minou Jones, chair of the Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco Free Coalition. “Our elected officials didn’t finish the job and that is not acceptable. This childish behavior didn’t benefit anyone, and our kids are truly the big losers here today.” 

The House and Senate both passed legislation this month requiring retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco and nicotine products in Michigan. Both chambers also had passed bills repealing ineffective penalties on youth for purchasing and using tobacco products. A final vote would have been needed to send the bills to the Governor’s desk.

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