"As a cancer caregiver, I have seen the devastating impact of cancer. My dad passed away from lung cancer due to smoking. That’s why I was encouraged to see so many Minnesotans rally behind Tobacco 21. The Legislature is continuing to discuss this issue, and I’m asking Sen. Michelle Benson to make sure Tobacco 21 becomes law.
There are 12 states across the country, and 32 communities in Minnesota, that have already raised the minimum age of tobacco sales to 21 years old. With its above-average high school and adult smoking rates, Minnesota should be the next state. Studies have shown that 95 percent of people who smoke begin before age 21, and if they don’t start by then, they’re less likely to start later.
Sen. Benson, as part of public health discussions this month, I’m urging you to keep Tobacco 21 in mind. Our kids deserve better than a lifetime of tobacco addiction." — Jay Whiting, Zimmerman (Editor’s note: Whiting is volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.)
Source: Star News