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Neighbors,
It's hard to believe it's already November - I hope you're fully adjusted to the time change.
Remember that there are resources available if you, family or friends are struggling with the heating bill. Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule (CWR) helps protect Minnesotans from having their heat shut off between October 15 and April 15. You can find more information about it here.
Youth Vaping
We're only beginning to understand the dangers of vaping, but it's clearly not the cleaner, safer quit-smoking device we thought it was. Athletes are having trouble breathing during workouts, students are having trouble concentrating, and educators are spending time during class monitoring for kids sneaking hits of nicotine.
Last week, my House DFL colleagues announced a comprehensive plan to combat Big Tobacco's youth targeting.
Here are some highlights of the plan:
- By raising the legal age to purchase tobacco age to 21, we will limit youth targeting.
- We will reduce youth access by stopping all internet sales of tobacco, e-cigarette, and vaping products.
- By prohibiting sales of all flavored tobacco products in our state, we will reduce the appeal of tobacco products for vulnerable populations.
- We will support prevention efforts with a dedicated office to combat the immense pressure of the tobacco industry with effective counter-marketing.
- Finally, we will fight to ensure that every Minnesotan has access to quit-smoking resources to help them break free from addiction. We’ll promote the state’s quitting program and remove barriers that prevent Medicaid patients and others from accessing quit-smoking medications and therapy.
Youth nicotine addiction isn’t just affecting families – it is touching health clinics, schools, and communities in every corner of Minnesota. This is about protecting our kids, and it’s time to take bold action to hold Big Tobacco accountable.
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