Neighbors and Friends,
November is here and most of us are preparing for the cold and snowy weather surely coming our way. I’m sending another reminder that if you or someone you know is having trouble paying the heating bills, the Cold Weather Rule is now in effect. Go to the Minnesota Department of Commerce website to learn more about getting assistance to keep the heat on.
Here is this week’s update:
Preventing youth tobacco use
This week, my colleagues unveiled a new plan to prevent youth tobacco use.
In 2017, the number of young Minnesotans using tobacco rose for the first time in 17 years due to a surge in e-cigarette use. Since then, the crisis has only gotten worse. According to the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey, 26.4 percent of Minnesota 11th graders reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days. That represents a 54 percent increase from the 2016 survey. Usage rates also climbed among 8th and 9th graders.
Vaping-related injuries are being reported in Minnesota and across the nation, but many young people remain unaware of the health risks associated with e-cigarettes. The Minnesota Student Survey found that 76 percent of Minnesota 11th graders believe that there is either no, slight or a moderate risk to using e-cigarettes.
Raising the tobacco sales age from 18 to 21 is a key piece of the plan to combat youth tobacco use. By reducing access to tobacco products, this policy helps prevent children and teens from starting to smoke
The new plan also includes proven tools to help existing smokers quit. It increases taxes on cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products and expands cessation resources that help Minnesotans break free from addiction. You can watch the news conference here.
Help shape Assisted Living Report Card
This fall, Minnesotans can participate in the development of a state-sponsored Assisted Living Report Card that will complement the Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card. This new tool will help ease the important and challenging task of finding care for yourself or a family member. To learn more about having a say on this issue, click here.
Influenza immunization
The flu is a serious respiratory disease that attacks the nose, throat and lungs and now is the time to receive your immunization. You can learn more about the flu, its symptoms and the vaccine by going to the Minnesota Department of Health website,
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To reach me during the interim, email me at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice