Time is running out: Advocates urge lawmakers to protect kids by passing tobacco prevention measures before session ends
Digital billboard parked out front of Michigan Capitol urges action NOW
LANSING – As lawmakers head to the Michigan Capitol this week, the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is making sure their pleas for action during the final weeks of the 2024 session are heard via a mobile billboard parked directly in front of the building. Messages of “Our Kids Can’t Wait”, “Time is Running Out” and “We’re Counting on You” urge lawmakers to vote on the Protect MI Kids bill package immediately.
To convey this message, the Alliance, which includes more than 120 health, education and community organizations committed to protecting kids from tobacco and nicotine addiction, is urging lawmakers to prioritize the health of Michigan’s by passing the bill package.
“There is still time for our elected leaders to take bold action to reverse the e-cigarette crisis which remains a public health threat,” said Jodi Radke, regional advocacy director for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and co-chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “With session ending in a few short weeks, Michigan families, school officials, doctors, health advocates and youth are counting on lawmakers to finish this job before leaving town.”
The bills would greatly strengthen Michigan’s tobacco prevention laws by:
Requiring tobacco retailers to be licensed, just like liquor retailers, so the state can enforce laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors (SB 651 and 651, Sen. Sam Singh, HBs 6002 and 6003, sponsored by state Reps. Kristian Grant and Abraham Aiyash respectively).
Allowing local counties and cities to enact tougher restrictions on tobacco sales within their own community (SB 647, Sen. Sue Shink, HB 6022, Rep. Helena Scott).
Repealing ineffective penalties that punish kids for tobacco purchase, use and possession (HBs 6004 and 6005, Rep. Stephanie Young).
Ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes and menthol e-cigarettes (Senate Bills 649 and 650, Sen. John Cherry).
Raising the price of all tobacco products, taxing e-cigarettes just like all other tobacco products and dedicating new funds to prevention and cessation services (SB 648, Sen. Stephanie Chang).
As of today, on the Senate side Tobacco Retail Licensure (TRL) and the Youth Penalty repeal (PUP) bills are awaiting consideration on the Senate Floor. On the House side, similar TRL and PUP bills, plus bills allowing local control on tobacco sales restrictions are awaiting a vote in the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee.
“Lawmakers have the opportunity to make Michigan a leader in protecting youth from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine and we urge them to prioritize youth and get these bills to the Governor’s desk before session ends,” said Dr. Brittany Tayler, internist and pediatrician at Hurley Medical Center, assistant professor at the Pediatric Public Health Initiative at Michigan State University and co-chair of Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “Michigan is far behind in tobacco prevention, and we owe it to our kids to protect them from these dangerous products that will lead them to a lifetime of addiction.”
To reinforce the message, Alliance leaders also delivered hourglasses with similar “time is running out” messaging to all legislative offices on Wednesday, encouraging passage of the bill package.
Polling conducted earlier this year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids showed that Michigan voters strongly support (67%) a comprehensive bill package to reduce tobacco use among kids. By a 2 to 1 margin (65% to 29%), Michigan voters believe protecting another generation of children from addiction to flavored tobacco is more important than protecting adults’ rights to purchase flavored tobacco. Full poll details are available here.
About the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance
The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is a coalition of more than 120 public health, community organizations, school groups and other community groups advocating for stronger tobacco policy and prevention in Michigan. Learn more about the Alliance at KeepMIKidsTobaccoFree.com.
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