If you are not a resident of these states WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!
Please watch this thread for updates.
Last night, the Vaper's Coalition (a group of representatives from ecig advocacy organizations) & Bill Godshall met to discuss the proposed bans in New York, Illinois and Maryland.
Three members are planning to speak before the legislature in New York next week. We are attempting to put together a group for Maryland, as well.
Regarding Illinois, two of the Coalition's Missouri members are planning to drive to Illinios to speak on the issue, when we find out if and when they are taking comments. However, we need Illinois residents to be available accompany them should the date be set. We need articulate people, with flexible schedules, to be prepared to just tell their story (we'll take care of all the statistical arguments). Please PM me if you would be willing to participate.
Vocalek and I are working to write a form letter for members to print, sign and mail (snail mail is best). Sit tight - that is forthcoming. Our Illinios CASAA area rep, Tiger, is working on getting the "best bet" names & addresses on the review committee to write - probably someone who is a political opponent of the bill's authors. We would also write something for the governor.
If you are willing to write your own letter (whether you are an Illinois resident or not - we want people to write) please write with certain things in mind:
1. Remain calm and reasonable
2. Tell your personal success story. Remember to emphasize that you switched to vaping as an alternative, don't call it "quitting smoking." We don't want to support allegations that this is an "unapproved drug" for quitting smoking!)
3. Do mention that this would have a negative financial impact for Illinois, as there are many vapers and vendors located there.
4. Do mention the decision they came to in the Utah bill - they decided to ban them from minors, but not from legal adults, because it was helping people.
5. Do mention you support banning sale to minors.
6. If you are a resident, mention you voted for them and will not do so again and will urge your friends and family the same, if they pass this legislation.
7. Mention the recent decision by federal Judge Leon, that these are "tobacco products" and that the FDA failed to show that there was any immediate danger to consumers.
Also mention that the AAPHP has petitioned the FDA to retract their misleading statements and declare these devices "tobacco products", because the AAPHP endorses e-cigarettes as a reduced harm product.
Overall - ONE PAGE OR LESS. Don't overwrite, or it will probably not be read.
These are a lot of the points we will be including in our form letter, as well.
Please stay tuned!
Please watch this thread for updates.
Last night, the Vaper's Coalition (a group of representatives from ecig advocacy organizations) & Bill Godshall met to discuss the proposed bans in New York, Illinois and Maryland.
Three members are planning to speak before the legislature in New York next week. We are attempting to put together a group for Maryland, as well.
Regarding Illinois, two of the Coalition's Missouri members are planning to drive to Illinios to speak on the issue, when we find out if and when they are taking comments. However, we need Illinois residents to be available accompany them should the date be set. We need articulate people, with flexible schedules, to be prepared to just tell their story (we'll take care of all the statistical arguments). Please PM me if you would be willing to participate.
Vocalek and I are working to write a form letter for members to print, sign and mail (snail mail is best). Sit tight - that is forthcoming. Our Illinios CASAA area rep, Tiger, is working on getting the "best bet" names & addresses on the review committee to write - probably someone who is a political opponent of the bill's authors. We would also write something for the governor.
If you are willing to write your own letter (whether you are an Illinois resident or not - we want people to write) please write with certain things in mind:
1. Remain calm and reasonable
2. Tell your personal success story. Remember to emphasize that you switched to vaping as an alternative, don't call it "quitting smoking." We don't want to support allegations that this is an "unapproved drug" for quitting smoking!)
3. Do mention that this would have a negative financial impact for Illinois, as there are many vapers and vendors located there.
4. Do mention the decision they came to in the Utah bill - they decided to ban them from minors, but not from legal adults, because it was helping people.
5. Do mention you support banning sale to minors.
6. If you are a resident, mention you voted for them and will not do so again and will urge your friends and family the same, if they pass this legislation.
7. Mention the recent decision by federal Judge Leon, that these are "tobacco products" and that the FDA failed to show that there was any immediate danger to consumers.
Also mention that the AAPHP has petitioned the FDA to retract their misleading statements and declare these devices "tobacco products", because the AAPHP endorses e-cigarettes as a reduced harm product.
Overall - ONE PAGE OR LESS. Don't overwrite, or it will probably not be read.
These are a lot of the points we will be including in our form letter, as well.
Please stay tuned!
