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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL)

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RELEASE: Rep. Halverson Calls for Immediate Action to Curb Youth Vaping Rates

Friday, October 4, 2019

SAINT PAUL, MN — As vaping-related injuries continue to be reported in Minnesota and across the nation, survey results released earlier this week indicate that the rate of youth e-cigarette use in Minnesota has increased significantly. Governor Tim Walz is calling for an aggressive response that includes youth education, outreach, and limiting access to vaping products.

“I applaud Governor Walz’s call to treat e-cigarettes like the serious health threat they are,” said Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL – Eagan). “As a parent and as a legislator, I am deeply concerned about the rise of e-cigarette use in our state. I am committed to doing all I can to protect young Minnesotans from the hazards of e-cigarettes.”

Youth smoking and vaping rates have been one of Rep. Halverson’s top concerns for several years. Earlier this year, she championed legislation that added e-cigarettes to the Minnesota Clean Air Act. Thanks to her bill, vaping in public places is now prohibited. Rep. Halverson also introduced legislation that would direct settlement money paid by tobacco product manufacturers to efforts to curb the epidemic of youth tobacco use.