American Lung Association Applauds Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Ensure a Tobacco-Free Generation

Today, the American Lung Association applauds Governor Hochul for her commitment to solidify New York’s leadership in ensuring a tobacco-free generation during the 2023 State of the State address. 

Trevor Summerfield, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in New York issued the following statement:  

“The Governor’s announcement today in her State of the State of her intention to remove all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes from New York State shelves, in addition to increasing the cigarette tax from $4.35 to $5.35 per pack are critical moves promoting health equity, social justice and the lung health of all New Yorkers. These measures would catapult New York back into being a nationwide leader in tobacco control efforts. 

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in New York. In 2020, 22.5% of youths used an e-cigarette. Every year, approximately 4,300 New Yorkers under 18 become daily smokers. Tragically, 280,000 of New York’s youth who are under 18 are projected to die prematurely from smoking, while an additional 28,200 adults in the state die each year from tobacco. 

The State's previous removal of flavored vaping products from the market was an important first step. The initiatives announced today, if implemented, will drastically reduce tobacco use rates and weaken Big Tobacco’s continued efforts to addict our youth to their deadly products. 

The Lung Association looks forward to working with Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to ensure these life-saving policies are passed and enacted into law and that the state’s tobacco control program is adequately funded to assist all New Yorkers who are ready to quit tobacco use.” 
For more information, contact:

Jennifer Solomon
(516) 680-8927
[email protected]

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