HEADS UP - NEWS - UPDATES! (When we know, you'll know!)

[kristin]

March 15, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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ILLINOIS: (UPDATE) Bill to deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking passed in the Senate. Heading to new Governor's desk and likely to be signed.

Tobacco 21 bill goes to Pritzker’s desk

BARABOO, WISCONSIN: (UPDATE) Ordinance to ban use of #vaping products OUTSIDE, without any evidence of risk to bystanders or necessity of intervention, has passed after second reading, however #smokefree #tobacco products were removed from the ordinance.

Smokeless tobacco OK in Baraboo parks

UTAH: (UPDATE) Senate passes bill to deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products, still needs Governor's signature, 86% tax remains in Senate for vote.

Lawmakers raise Utah smoking age to 21, may add 'sin' tax to vaping products

SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE: (HEADS UP!) Flavored #vaping & #smokefree product ban targeting vape shops is being considered, excluding mint & menthol, while some on Council want to ban ALL #vapor products altogether. Next workshop March 26th!

Council considers first flavored tobacco ban in Maine | sentry.mainelymediallc.com | South Portland Sentry

OKLAHOMA: (UPDATE) Vaping Advocates of Oklahoma reports that HB2288, prohibiting ALL businesses to allow #vaping in their own business (and some OUTDOOR spaces), was pulled from the agenda and will not be heard. Stay alert, Oklahomans!

Bill Information

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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

MARCH 18, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)

Tobacco harm reduction news for March 18, 2019. Call to Action for Robbinsdale, MN. Anti tobacco harm reduction laws in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado and Wisconsin.

ROBBINSDALE, MINNESOTA: (CALL TO ACTION!!) Deadline is March 19th for Robbinsdale residents to submit comments re: ordinance that restricting sales of flavored #vaping & #smokefree products to adult-only establishments & raise the min. age to 21! ACT NOW!

MN - Robbinsdale - Stop the attack on Flavors and Young Adults!

APPLETON, WI: (CALL TO ACTION) Just a reminder that the Appleton Council meeting to ban vaping everywhere, including vape shops and adults-only bars, is Wedneday, March 20th at 7 PM. It's imperative that Appleton vape consumers show up and tell their story!

Appleton, Wisconsin - Stop an Indoor Vaping Ban!

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK: (UPDATE) Without any evidence of risk to bystanders or necessity of intervention, City bans use of #vaping products on ANY public property, including OUTDOOR SPACES like parks and sidewalks.

Smoking tobacco products now outlawed in Plattsburgh's public areas

PENNSYLVANIA: (HEADS UP!) State Senator Mario Scavello plans to introduce a law that would likely also deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking.

Seeking to Raise Legal Age of Tobacco Use

OHIO: (HEADS UP!) Gov. Mike DeWine wants to deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking.

DeWine calls for raising Ohio's legal age to buy cigarettes to 21

WISCONSIN: (HEADS UP!) Madison doctor, conflating vaping with "tobacco use," calls for state lawmakers to deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking.

State should raise tobacco age to 21 -- Brian Williams

"To me, there is no legitimate reason to sell any product with names such as cotton candy or tutti fruitti, unless you are trying to market it to children. If we’re going to address the root cause of this problem, we have to start by banning the sale of these enticing kid-friendly nicotine flavors.”

- Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, on her bill banning ALL vaping flavors, including flavors like the mint, pineapple, orange, strawberry ("Fruit Chill") and cherry offered by nicotine gum and lozenge companies.

ASPEN, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) City looking to ban the #vaping flavors that appeal to ADULT #vapers and #smokers, which increases likelihood of switching 100% to the far safer products by moving them away from #tobacco taste triggers. PUBLIC HEARING TBA!

Aspen hopes to ban all flavored tobacco

If you're on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through your state!CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

March 19, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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ARKANSAS: (CALL TO ACTION!) Stop an outrageous 67% tax on vaping! Oppose any extra taxes on low-risk, smoke-free alternatives to combustible tobacco. Click the link to ACT NOW!

AR - Stop an outrageous tax on vaping!

NORTH DAKOTA: (UPDATE) Good news for ND vapers! It appears that HB 1477, a bill going before the Judiciary Committee today that would have banned flavored #vapor products to adults, HAS BEEN AMENDED to only ban sales of flavored products TO MINORS.

E-cigarette bill before ND Senate

MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT: (UPDATE) The resolution denying early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking will go to a public hearing next month.

Committee considers ordinance targeting teen vaping in Meriden

COMMENTARY: Editorial claims all flavored #vaping products should be immediately banned, nicotine levels reduced and regulated the same as cigarettes to protect "adults from known and suspected dangers." You can leave a polite comment on the article here:

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

March 20, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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NORTH DAKOTA: (CALL TO ACTION!) The minor "flavor ban" bill we mentioned yesterday has been amended into a TAX BILL, adding a 28% wholesale tax to #vaping products! Click the link for form to SEND A MESSAGE to fight this unreasonable taxation!
ND - Stop a Flavor Ban

ISANTI COUNTY, MINNESOTA: (CALL TO ACTION!) Public hearing TODAY at 10 AM regarding ordinance denying early ADULT #vapers and #smokers access to far safer #vaping and #smokefree products! Please attend hearing or click link to send a message NOW!

MN - Isanti County - Stop Tobacco AND Vapor 21!

IN THE NEWS: (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) After banning flavors, city leaders are now proposing an outright ban of ALL #vaping product SALES in and DELIVERY to the city, claiming they're only "in the business of getting people addicted or keeping them addicted."
Juul labs says it supports city's efforts to curb youth access to e-cigarettes

DELAWARE: (UPDATE) Bill denying early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking has passed Senate, now moving to House. Watch for updated Call to Action!

Delaware lawmakers moves closer to ban sale of cigarettes to people under 21

ARKANSAS: (UPDATE) Outrageous "tax the poor to give the poor tax relief" bill SB571 (a 67% wholesale vapor tax) & denying early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative products, has passed Senate, now moving back to final vote in House.

Arkansas bill on smoking age, cancer center funding advances

THE MORE YOU KNOW:

Give them an inch...

(1979) "There's no slippery slope! We just want non-smoking areas, not to ban smoking in people's homes."

(2019) All but one city in Sonoma County, CA now bans smoking/vaping in apartments (ie. people's homes.)

Healdsburg moves to prohibit smoking in apartments, hotels

Remember this when they claim "We don't want to ban vaping, we just want a sin tax/flavor ban/indoor ban/age raise..." Conceding to one "reasonable demand" won't stop them from the next one and the next one and the next one. Classic "boiling frog" tactic. Don't fall for it.


YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS: (UPDATE) City decides AGAINST total #vaping product ban. The Board of Health determined it "should go with an education program first...." The city has already banned flavors and passed Tobacco 21.

https://bit.ly/2CufiqJ

ILLINOIS: (UPDATE) SB 1124, which would increase the tax on #vaping products from 6.25% to 36% & SB 1864, prohibiting businesses from allowing vaping, moved out of committee. Contact your representatives!

Despite concerns, measure to tax vaping products the same as tobacco products moves forward

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: (UPDATE) City rejects retailers' offer to scan IDs and take hefty fines for underage sales and will instead vote on risking adult lives with a BAN of all flavored #vaping and #tobacco products next Tuesday, March 26th.

Sacramento Council Rejects Tobacco Industry Plan, Will Vote On Flavored Tobacco Ban Next Week
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

March 21, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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MAINE: (CALL TO ACTION!) SP 364 (LD 1190), a bill that would ban the sale of flavored vapor and smokeless tobacco products, is scheduled for a public hearing on Monday, March 25 @ 10:00 AM. Take action NOW!

ME - Stop a Flavor Ban!

DELAWARE: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) SB 25, a bill denying early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking, is now SB 25-1 and has been assigned to House committee.

DE - Stop Tobacco AND Vaping 21!

WISCONSIN: (UPDATE/HEADS UP!) APPLETON passes indoor vaping ban that excludes vape shops (but not bars...to send a message youth??), while GRAND CHUTE quietly passes complete indoor ban. The VILLAGE OF KIMBERLY is discussing a ban on APRIL 1 or APRIL 8.

Appleton passes public vaping ban

PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA: (UPDATE) City bans smoking and #vaping in OUTDOOR publicly-accessed city areas, incl outdoor restaurant patios & within 50 ft of patios, outdoor work sites, 25 ft from doors, windows or air vents and all outdoor public events.

Pismo Beach City Council approves smoking ban

OKLAHOMA: (UPDATE & HEADS UP!) Proving #vaping advocates can never rest easy, another bill rears its ugly head. HB1389, prohibiting business owners from allowing #vaping on their property, quickly & quietly passed the House yesterday & heads to Senate.

Bill to ban vaping in public passes Oklahoma House
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

March 22, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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FLORIDA: (CALL TO ACTION!) MARCH 25th HEARING. SB1618 would deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking & require delivery signature. ACT NOW!

FL - Stop unnecessary barriers to safer alternatives to smoking!

COLORADO: (CALL TO ACTION!) HB19-1033 would authorize municipal/county govts. to include #vaping in their own versions of extra taxes on #vapor products, licensing for retailers & criminalizing possession by minors. Tell Governor Polis to VETO HB19-1033!

CO - Stop local governments from treating vaping like smoking!

CALIFORNIA: (CALL TO ACTION!) SB 38, which would BAN the sale of FLAVORED #vapor and #smokefree products is scheduled for a public hearing on March 27th! IF your rep is on the Committee on Health you can TAKE ACTION NOW!

CA - Stop an all-out flavor ban!
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[puffon]

Florida:

A bill, SB 1618, that would raise the minimum sales age for ALL tobacco and vapor products from 18 to 21 AND require a signature on delivery for vapor products is scheduled for a committee hearing

That's not good.

 

[kristin]

March 25, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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WASHINGTON: (CALL TO ACTION!) TODAY at 2:30 PM (PT), committee hearing on SB 5986, that would impose 5c/mL tax on e-liquid (regardless of nicotine content) and 40c/oz tax on heat-not-burn (HnB) products. ACT NOW!

WA - Stop extra taxes on life-saving products!

CONNECTICUT: (HEADS UP!) HB 7200, which would deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking passed from Committee to the House Friday. Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here:

Bill advances to raise the age to buy tobacco, vape products

ISANTI COUNTY, MINNESOTA: (UPDATE) County becomes 4th county/27th community in state to deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking.

Isanti County Commissioners Approve Tobacco 21 Ordinance

IN THE NEWS: (BURLINGTON, NC) Without any evidence of risk to bystanders, city OUTDOOR #tobacco ban includes #vaping and #smokefree use in and around all major city parks, neighborhood facilities, lakes, marinas and its golf course.

All City of Burlington Recreation and Parks facilities will be tobacco free effective April 1

LARKSPUR, CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) City had first reading (see video) to ban flavored #vaping and #smokefree tobacco products last Wed. Watch for this on the agenda (posted at City Hall) and plan to attend possibly April 3rd or April 17th meeting!



SOUTH CAROLINA: (HEADS UP!) S492, a bill that would STOP municipalities from unfairly regulating #vaping products, has passed the Senate’s Medical Affairs Committee. Contact your Senators!

Bill that kills Myrtle Beach’s vape shop moratorium clears state house hurdle

TALLMADGE, OHIO: (HEADS UP!) Law would deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products and likely "justify" to more onerous laws later. Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here:

Tallmadge considers raising age to buy tobacco products

DICKINSON COUNTY, IOWA: (HEADS UP) Anti nicotine & tobacco zealots (ANTZ) tell outrageous lies (#vaping causes cancer "like radon;" uses veg. oil as "combustible base;" half the carcinogens as cigs) to get city to ban #vaping and #smokefree use OUTSIDE.

Area cities hear nicotine-free proposals

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Research suggests nicotine can keep ulcerative colitis in the remitting stage - finding smoking can reduce impact of some symptoms - but risks outweigh benefits. If only there was a 95% safer way to get nicotine without the smoke....

https://bit.ly/2UWr8RI
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

March 26, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: (CALL TO ACTION!) TOMORROW! Proposed ordinance not yet available, but committee is considering actions taken by others in CA (including total ban on sale of flavored vapor products) in order to draft a new city law. ACT NOW!

CA - Los Angeles - Stop a Flavor Ban!

NEBRASKA: (HEADS UP!) As if denying early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping products isn't bad enough, LB149 still allows them to purchase combustible cigarettes & bans indoor use, implying vaping is the same as smoking.

Nebraska lawmakers make bill aimed to stop teen vaping

LAKEWOOD, OHIO: (UPDATE!) City denies early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products & will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later. Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Lakewood raising age to purchase tobacco products

SUMMIT CO, OHIO: (HEADS UP) APRIL 8 vote to deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products & will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later. Read CASAA's Tobacco 21 statement here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

County pushes back Tobacco 21 legislation vote

ALBERT LEA, MN: (UPDATE) City denies early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products & will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later. Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

City Council passes Tobacco 21 ordinance - Albert Lea Tribune

UTAH: (UPDATE) Governor signed bill Monday denying early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products. Will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later. Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Utah to raise legal smoking age to 21

TENNESSEE: (UPDATE) Bill to deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products & likely used to later "justify" more onerous laws STALLS IN SENATE. Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Reeves’ effort to raise smoking age to 21 stalls in Senate
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

March 27, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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NEVADA: (CALL TO ACTION!) SB 263, which would impose a 30% wholesale tax on vapor products, is scheduled for a public hearing TOMORROW on March 28 @ 1:30 PM with the Senate Committee on Revenue and Economic Development. Attend or send a message. ACT NOW!

NV - Stop a tax on vaping!

ELDON, MISSOURI: (UPDATE) City denies early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products & will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later. Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here:

Tobacco purchase age increased to 21 in Eldon

ROBBINSDALE, MN: (UPDATE) City denies early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products & makes it harder for ADULTS to purchase by severely limiting where they can be sold. Read CASAA's view of T21, here:

Tobacco 21 passes in Robbinsdale
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

March 28, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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WASHINGTON: (CALL TO ACTION!) Send the Gov. a message urging him to VETO HB 1074, denying early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer products (& will probably be used to "justify" more onerous laws later.) CASAA T21 statement:

WA - Veto Tobacco 21

NEW HAMPSHIRE: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) HB 511, which would ban #vaping like smoking & deceive the public into believing vaping is a risk to bystanders, has passed the House and is moving to a committee hearing in the Senate on April 2 @ 1:00 PM.

NH - Stop an Indoor Vaping Ban

OLSTED COUNTY, MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP) County looking to deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer products & will probably use the law to "justify" more onerous laws later. Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Olmsted County Eyes Tobacco 21 Policy

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Researchers find #vaping could be effective way to help teens and young adults quit smoking. Interviews found 74% had gone from smoking to vaping. Subjects also expressed concern T21 laws will deny access to the much safer products.

California could crack down on vaping. But could it help teens quit smoking?

SAN CARLOS, CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) City looking to BAN #vaping in multi-unit homes and common areas, and BAN the sale of flavored #vaping and #smokefree products.

San Carlos takes steps toward smoking, flavored tobacco bans

CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) SB 38, a bill to ban the sale of flavored #vaping & #smokefree products statewide, was approved in the Senate Health committee yesterday. It will be heard next in the Senate Appropriations Committee!

SB 38 California legislation to ban sale of flavored tobacco approved by Health Committee

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: (UPDATE) Watch yesterday's LA Health, Education, and Neighborhood Committee meeting, discussing youth access to flavored #vaping and #smokefree products, then send a message!

Video: Health, Education, Neighborhoods, Parks, Arts, snd River Committee - Mar 27th, 2019
Call to Action: CA - Los Angeles - Stop a Flavor Ban!
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

March 29, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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FLORIDA: (CALL TO ACTON UPDATE!) SB 1618, a bill that would deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer products AND require a signature on delivery for vapor products, is scheduled for its second committee meeting on April 2 @ 10:00 AM. ACT NOW!

Read CASAA's Tobacco 21statement here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

FL - Stop unnecessary barriers to safer alternatives to smoking!

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO: (UPDATE & HEADS UP!) City opts NOT to deny ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer products, but SUMMIT COUNTY is still pushing the measure and a vote could happen in early April.

CASAA T21 statement: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Tobacco 21 issue goes up in smoke in Cuyahoga Falls

DENVER, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) Cityseeks to deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products & will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.

Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

New Denver proposal would ban tobacco sales to people under 21 years of age

INDIANA: (HEADS UP!) Looking for easy revenue from #vaping consumers, Senate considers taxes ranging from 4¢/ml to 24% on retail cost to "create parity with #cigarettes." Imagine if they tried to similarly tax alternatives like #nicotine gums/patches....

Senate debates taxing vape products | Indiana | Journal Gazette
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

April 1, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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THE MORE YOU KNOW: Almost 50% cancer patients can't or won't quit #smoking with NRT, while most who do quit end up relapsing. If #vaping & #smokefree reduced harm products are regulated/taxed out of existence, the only other option to quitting is dying.

Even cancer can't get some to quit smoking

NOT AN APRIL FOOL'S JOKE: 45 million Americans still smoke. Millions are quitting with e-cigarettes. So the government wants higher taxes and more restrictions on...e-cigarettes?

SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA: (UPDATE) City bans flavored #vaping and #smokefree products because of fake "youth epidemic," thereby making products far less appealing to higher risk adult smokers and vapers in the process.

San Anselmo approves ban on flavored tobacco – Marin Independent Journal

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Examples of harm reduction that don't make things 100% safe incl. seat belts, bike helmets, clean needle exchanges, condoms, vaccines, chemotherapy, pasteurization, speed limits, parachutes, child-resistant caps...but safer "tobacco" products must be 100% safe?

MICHIGAN: (HEADS UP!) Lawmakers want to increase cost of #vaping products by 81%. This would make a $25 item $45.25, removing the cost-savings incentive for high risk ADULT #smokers to make the switch & many will choose to keep smoking cheaper cigarettes!

Lawmakers consider tax increase on cigarettes, vaping products | 2019-03-29 | Grand Rapids Business Journal

IOWA: (HEADS UP!) Iowa lawmaker wants to deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products & will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.

Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Should Iowa raise legal age to buy tobacco, vaping products?

IN THE NEWS: (AUSTRALIA) More evidence of the effectiveness of NRT. /sarcasm Smoking ban worked so well they have to ban the smoking treatment. Anti-tobacco zealots need to face the truth that bans don't work. Where there's a will, they'll find a way.

Nicotine lozenges are to be banned in jail as prisoners were crushing them using pages of the BIBLE | Daily Mail Online

UPPER ARLINGTON, OHIO: (HEADS UP!) City discussing banning #vaping and products OUTDOORS in parks tonight at 7:30 PM. Expected to vote as soon as April 8.

Upper Arlington City Council to consider nicotine ban in city parks

IN THE NEWS: Schools giving long suspensions, "blacklisting" young students from enrollment based on #vaping product possession. Yet another tragic consequence of exaggerating the risks and punishing minors with the expectation they reason like adults.

Student banned from school for vaping. Then he was blacklisted by other Arizona schools

DENVER, COLORADO: (UPDATE) Meeting WEDNESDAY to discuss denying early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer products & will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.

Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Denver City Council considers raising age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21

NEW YORK: (UPDATE) Gov. expected to sign ineffective law denying early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer products (also likely be used to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

Read CASAA's position on Tobacco 21, here: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Legislature moves to raise age to 21 for tobacco purchases

HAWAII: (HEADS UP!) With "sure thing" Tobacco 21 law FAILING to make any significant impact, lawmakers move to "sure thing" ban of flavored #vaping, #smokefree products, despite the fact that research shows they're important for ADULT ex-smoking #vapers.

Hawaii considers first statewide ban on e-cigarette flavors
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

April 3, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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VERMONT: (CALL TO ACTION!) Stop H. 47, which would impose Vermont’s 92% OTP wholesale tax on vapor products (e-liquid and devices) and is scheduled for a hearing on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 2:30 PM.

ACT NOW!

VT - Stop an outrageous tax on Vaping!

FLORIDA: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) SB 1618, denying early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer products AND requiring signature on delivery for vapor products, passed in committee (now exempts cigars.) ACT NOW!

CASAA T21 policy: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

FL - Stop unnecessary barriers to safer alternatives to smoking!

THE MORE YOU KNOW: (UK) Rhetorical question - Are teens in UK somehow unique or are reports of a US youth #vaping "epidemic" leading to teen smoking an intentional disinformation campaign? CDC holding full 2018 info, but known number's still don't add up.

Rise of vaping ‘does not lead to more teenagers smoking cigarettes’

MANKATO, MINNESOTA: If shops don't fight flavor restrictions, thinking it's a "win" for their business, it's actually a "loss" for both public health and profits when smokers lose full access to safer alternatives & never become #vaping consumers at all.

Menthol ban added to Mankato's Tobacco 21 ordinance

RESEARCH: The tragic consequences of the disinformation war on vaping now includes the fact that most Americans wrongly think that the products are as or more harmful than cigarettes. Anti-nicotine and tobacco zealots are celebrating this as a success.

More adults wrongly think vaping is worse than cigarettes - Futurity

AUSTIN, MINNESOTA: (UPDATE) City council votes to deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

Austin City Council raises tobacco purchasing age to 21 - Austin Daily Herald

OLMSTED COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS: (UPDATE) County votes to deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

Olmsted County passes Tobacco 21 ordinance

MILFORD & TRUMBULL, CONNECTICUT: (UPDATE) Cities vote to deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

CASAA T21 statement: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Milford raises age on purchase of tobacco products to 21

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Headlines reporting "link" between vaping and seizures even though there really is no "link" shown at all. Could easily find just as many people who had a seizure after petting their cat. Likely gov't fearmongering caused them to report seizure was from vaping.

"Nothing here suggests these seizures are caused by vaping, represent an elevation compared to background rate, or are higher than among smokers. @SGottliebFDA and @FDATobacco irresponsible and unscientific to do this without also looking the evidence on smoking and seizure risk."
----Clive Bates, Director of Counterfactual, Director of Action on Smoking and Health (UK) 1997-2003.



TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT: (HEADS UP!) PUBLIC HEARING April 15 re: denying early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

CASAA T21 policy: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Torrington considering raising age to purchase tobacco products to 21

IN THE NEWS: "With vaping under fire, tobacco-free snuff latest alternative to help smokers quit"...but it contains nicotine & comes in adult-friendly, non-tobacco flavors, so won't likely escape hysteria of the "ANTZ" (Anti-Nicotine & Tobacco Zealots.)

https://bit.ly/2FS3r6H

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE: (HEADS UP!) City considers denying early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

CASAA T21 statement: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Nashua is one step closer to fining smoking, vaping teens

MARYLAND: (UPDATE) Lawmakers pass bill with "veto-proof margins" denying early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

CASAA T21 policy: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

21 and up: Maryland General Assembly passes bill banning young adults from buying tobacco, nicotine products

THE MORE YOU KNOW: "Sharpless Shouldn't Stop Snus, the Safer Swedish Smoking Alternative...if snus doesn't meet the FDA's standard for being a safer alternative to smoking, maybe nothing will."

(Great article except inaccurate comment about seizures.)

Incoming FDA Commissioner Sharpless Shouldn't Stop Snus, the Safer Swedish Smoking Alternative

THE MORE YOU KNOW: (NEW ZEALAND) Vape-friendly policies (compared to neighbor Australia and many in US) sees youth smoking decline without uptick in non-smoking youth vaping (as in UK.) Are NZ/UK youth unique or is panic elsewhere unwarranted? You decide.

Youth smoking in New Zealand continues to fall | Scoop News

ADVOCACY: (TEXAS) College students call on their peers to stand up and fight back against intrusive government legislation that threatens their access to far safer alternatives to smoking, especially in light of 25.6% smoking rate vs 16.9% vaping rate.

Students need to get involved, oppose e-cigarette legislation - The Daily Texan

COMMENTARY: The “Moral Panic” of the Nicotine “Folk Devils”

"The main takeaway is that “moral panic” and knowing how to discharge it systematically is the common denominator to all instances of regulation and bans targeting lower-risk nicotine products."

https://bit.ly/2UliFvq

 

[kristin]

April 5, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
IOWA: (CALL TO ACTION!) SF 607 would deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping, #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

CASAA T21 statement: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

IA - Protect everyone's access to safer alternatives to smoking!

WISCONSIN: (HEADS UP!!) There will be THREE more PUBLIC HEARINGS by Joint Committee on Finance public hearings on the Governor's 2019-21 Biennial Budget around the state (see linked document for dates and locations.)

The governor's budget includes a 71% tax on the manufacture list price of vapor products, INCLUDING a "floor tax," which means vape shops will be forced to pay 71% on all currently held inventory before it's even sold.

Not only will this tax significantly increase consumer costs (a $20 bottle of e-liquid would cost $34 and a $60 device would cost $102), but vape shops could go out of business, unable to pay 71% on thousands of dollars of inventory. Additionally, ANY "sin tax" on vapor products not only misleads the public into thinking the products are a health threat, but can be used to justify additional restrictions and even higher taxes in the future.

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/raw/cid/1490347

CASAA will be issuing a Call to action that will allow residents to contact their representatives directly, but we also strongly urge you to try to attend one of the public hearings. Years of advocacy efforts have shown that nothing affects lawmakers more than strong and passionate feedback from their constituents!

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Children of parents who smoke have 3X smoking rate of kids of non-smokers. Most effective way to prevent these HIGHLY AT-RISK youth from smoking is HELPING THEIR PARENTS quit/switch, not limiting adult access with bans/taxes to "protect" already LOW RISK kids.

HAWAII: (UPDATE & HEADS UP!) Committee deferred a flavor ban bill, essentially tabling it until next session, however, they passed an outrageous 70% vape tax, which will move to the full legislature.

Watch your email or the state page for an updated CTA!

Push for tighter vaping restrictions fails in Hawaii

THE MORE YOU KNOW: "We don't want to ban vapor products/vaping, we just want [sin tax/flavor restriction/indoor ban] to stop youth use."

If you think conceding to their "reasonable" law will protect YOUR access to vapor products, just look back on history to understand their true endgame: to completely eliminate tobacco and nicotine use. Period.

___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

 

[kristin]

April 8, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
LOUISIANA: (CALL TO ACTION!) A bill, HB 38, that would deny people who smoke between the ages of 18 – 21 access to safer alternatives is waiting to be scheduled for a hearing in the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice. ACT NOW!

Louisiana - Stop Tobacco AND Vaping 21!

WISCONSIN: (CALL TO ACTION!) Stop outrageous 71% retail AND floor tax in Governor's proposed budget! THREE PUBLIC HEARINGS scheduled in April (next is 4/10). Please plan to attend & speak or submit written comment. Most effective advocacy is to SHOW UP!!

WI - Stop an outrageous tax on vaping!

WASHINGTON: (CALL TO ACTION!) Stop extra taxes on life-saving products! Amended bill would tax both sales AND existing inventory of vapor and heat-not-burn products. ACT NOW!

WA - Stop extra taxes on life-saving products!

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI: (HEADS UP!) Some businesses are apparently too helpless to ban vaping for themselves in their business, so ask city officials to deny ALL businesses the freedom to allow vaping. Oppose indoor bans that mislead public to think it's as hazardous as smoking!

City considering adding E-Cigs, vape pens to smoking ban ordinance

ILLINOIS: (UPDATE) State becomes first in midwest to deny early adult #smokers access to far safer alternatives. WARNING: the inefficacy of such laws will open door to harsher regulation and taxes.

CASAA T21 statement:

'Tobacco 21': Pritzker Signs New Bill Raising Minimum Age

IN THE NEWS: (CASAA) We are pleased and honored to announce some welcome additions to our Board of Directors: Doug Carter, Danielle Jones and Chad Jones. Please welcome them to the team!

CASAA Announces New Board Members - CASAA
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 9, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
OREGON: (CALL TO ACTION!) Three bills have been introduced that would enact 70% & 95% taxes on vapor products. PUBLIC HEARINGS on APRIL 10th & 11th.

ATTEND THESE HEARINGS & TAKE ACTION NOW!!

OR - Stop an Outrageous Tax on Vaping!

MAINE: (CALL TO ACTION!) LD 1028, which would impose an 81% wholesale tax on vapor products, is scheduled for a PUBLIC HEARING on THURS., APRIL 11th.

ATTEND THIS HEARING & TAKE ACTION NOW!

ME - Stop an Outrageous Tax on Vaping!

IN THE NEWS: (CASAA) We encourage Walgreens to resist the pressure to deny people who smoke or vape access to far safer alternatives. Read our letter to them here: http://www.casaa.org/news/walgreens-resist-calls-to-deny-people-access-to-safer-alternatives/

THE MORE YOU KNOW: (Filter Mag) As FDA Suggests E-Cigs Causes Seizures, US Public Is Increasingly Misinformed About Tobacco Harm Reduction

“This latest move from FDA looks like nothing more than abstinence-only fear-mongering.” -- David Sweanor

https://bit.ly/2G03v4x
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 10, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
OHIO: (CALL TO ACTION!) HB166 would deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping & #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

CASAA T21 statement: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

OH - Stop Tobacco AND Vaping 21!

TENNESSEE: (HEADS UP!) SB0738 would deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping & #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later.)

CASAA T21 statement: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Tennessee lawmakers push to raise cigarette and e-cigarette smoking age to 21

ADVOCACY: (VIDEO) Watch an interview with CASAA's CEO, Alex Clark (@Hello_Alex ) discussing our fight to ensure the availability, efficacy and affordability of smoke-free alternatives.



TEXAS: (UPDATE) SB21, which would deny early ADULT #smokers, #vapers access to safer #vaping & #smokefree products (& will likely use that to "justify" more onerous laws later) passed in the Senate on Tuesday.

CASAA T21 statement: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Texas could soon increase the legal age to buy tobacco, though active military members might be exempt

WISCONSIN: (VIDEO) Watch & learn from anti-vaping testimony given in support of 71% tax & regulations to the Joint Committee on Finance on 4-3. (Comments at 2:06:30, 3:15:25 & 3:29:25) We'll post today's hearing when available. See our WI Call to Action!

https://t.co/EkEamfp58N

FLORIDA: (UPDATE) House Subcommittee voted 8-3 on Tuesday to BLOCK HB 1125, which would have legally defined vape products as “tobacco products.”

It's already illegal to sell to minors. “I think we need less regulation, less government” -- Rep. Sabatini.

Florida House panel rejects nicotine measure

MASSACHUSETTS: (UPDATE) Thanks to the hard work of advocates, House Ways and Means Committee wisely opts AGAINST expanding tobacco excise taxes to e-cigarettes and vapor products (40% excise and 13.75% sales tax).

Massachusetts House Budget Chops Baker's Taxes, Boosts Local Aid

___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 11, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
INDIANA: (CALL TO ACTON UPDATE!) HB 1444 has been amended to increase the proposed rate from 4¢ per mL of e-liquid to a 20% sales tax on liquids AND devices. This 20% "sin" tax is IN ADDITION TO the state’s existing 7% sales tax!

Click link to ACT NOW!

IN - Stop an extra tax on Vaping!

MASSACHUSETTS: (HEADS UP!) Rather than enforce existing laws against sales to minors, AG Healey calls for tax on e-cigs and banning vaping flavors, making them more expensive and less appealing to the adult smokers and vapers who need them.

AG Healey calls for taxing vaping products and banning flavors

COMMENTARY: "Enlightened societies subscribe to the principle of harm reduction, which emphasizes damage mitigation instead of ineffectual battles against human fallibility. We provide free condoms to teenagers, even if we’d prefer they wait to have sex."

"In the long run, then, the tax will mean more smokers, which will mean more extended hospital stays and more premature death in Wisconsin."

A sin tax, minus the sin

MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT: (UPDATE) Human Services Committee voted unanimously this week to deny early adult #vapers and #smoker access to safer alternatives (and will likely use the law as justification for more restrictive laws and taxes in the future.)

Resolution raises vaping/tobacco age to 21 in Meriden

IN THE NEWS: Without a hint of irony, Rite Aid stops selling the low risk #vaping products that help adult smokers quit, stating it's "for the children," while leaving combustible cigarettes on shelves. (Apparently, they were only selling minors vapes?)

Rite Aid will start selling CBD products in 2 states, stop selling e-cigarettes in all stores

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE: (HEADS UP!) City divided over denying early adult #smokers and #vapers access to far safer alternatives. Let them know how you feel!

CASAA T21 statement: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

Nashua residents divided on proposal to raise smoking age

FOND DU LAC, WISCONSIN: (HEADS UP!) Rather than let businesses decide whether or not to allow vaping in their establishment, city is banning workplace vaping without any evidence of harm to bystanders. (Vape & tobacco shops exempted.)

4-11-19 fdl city council votes to ban e-cigarettes, vaping in all public buildings

SUFFOLK, NEW YORK: (UPDATE) County bans sale of all tobacco products in drug stores, allows sale of nicotine gums and patches, but not the #vaping products that have been shown to be 2x more effective in helping smokers quit.

https://bit.ly/2P5Rpen

THE MORE YOU KNOW: As predicted, one law only creates opportunity for more laws. After banning menthol in c-stores, tobacco shops more than doubled. Even though this works as intended, city now looking at more restrictions, such as total flavor bans.

Tobacco shops in Minneapolis doubled after menthol restrictions enacted, report finds
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 12, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________

DELAWARE: (UPDATE) House denies some ADULTS who already smoke or #vape access to far safer alternative products and will likely use law as justification for adding taxes and further regs later. Tell Gov to VETO!

CASAA on T21: https://bit.ly/2TWa2qB

‘Critical Time To Protect Our Youth’: Delaware House Approves Raising Legal Age To Buy Tobacco Products To 21

ARKANSAS: (UPDATE) In order to fund income tax cuts for lower income citizens & encourage smoking cessation, gov't irrationally increasing cost of the most effective smoking cessation products available to lower income citizens with 67% "privilege tax."

Ark. House Passes Income Tax Cut, Electric Cigarette Tax - Law360

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Researcher Dr. Daniela Berg, head of the Clinic for Neurology at Kiel University, says research has found that, besides diet & exercise, there is "hardly anything other than nicotine that has been found to protect against Parkinson's."

Does nicotine actually help protect against Parkinson's disease? | DW | 11.04.2019

WISCONSIN: Watch the 2nd Joint Committee on Finance Budget 2019 Public Hearing from this past Wednesday held in Oak Creek. This will give advocates an idea of what our opposition is saying in support of the 71% retail and floor tax and against vaping. The Committee is giving speakers just 2 minutes, so be sure to bring a written comment to hand in.

Hearing link: https://wiseye.org/2019/04/10/joint-committee-on-finance-budget-2019-public-hearing-in-oak-creek/

Vaping discussed at around 1:58, 2:13, 2:18, 2:52, 2:56, 3:05, 4:35, 4:36 & 8:14

Next meeting is MONDAY, April 15th in River Falls, WI. ARRIVE EARLY TO SIGN UP! As you can see in the video, only one vaping advocate was allowed to speak at the very end.

Call to Action Link: http://www.casaa.org/call-to-action/wi-stop-an-outrageous-attack-on-vaping/
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA