POW'R Against Tobacco, Center for a Tobacco-Free Hudson Valley and Tobacco Free Action Communities Attend Annual Legislative Day

On February 4, 2020 Reality Check Youth traveled to Albany to attend the annual Legislative Day at the New York State Capitol building and discussed with lawmakers about the success of the state’s Tobacco Control Program at lowering the average smoking rate to 12.8% and about the unmet needs in tobacco control efforts, particularly among youth and certain communities. Youth from across New York state represented its various comprising counties; TFAC represented Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan and POW'R represented Putnam, Orange, Westchester, and Rockland Counties.
 
At the event, students had the opportunity to meet with various members of the New York State legislature, including Assemblyman Zebrowski, Senator Carlucci, Senator Metzger, Senator Skoufis, Assemblyman Schmitt and Senator Serino. During the meetings the youth, stressed that cigarette smoking among high school youth statewide declined 82% between 2000 and 2018, but e-cigarette use by high schoolers continues to rise, now at 27%. In contrast, only 3.8% of adult New Yorkers use e-cigarettes. Additionally, nearly 40% of 12th graders use e-cigarettes statewide. Research shows that youth who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to start smoking conventional cigarettes than their peers who do not vape.
 
In addition to the meetings, Assemblyman Zebrowski and Assemblyman Schmitt took the time to take the students on to the floor of the chambers and educate the students on the legislative process. The students even had the opportunity to speak to Senator Biaggi and take photos at the backdrop that said, “Big Tobacco Can’t Hide the Facts.”
 
Higher smoking rates among certain communities
 
“The adult smoking rate in NYS is currently 12.8%, an 82% decline since our work began in 2000. However, there are certain groups that smoke at double that rate, such as those living with frequent mental distress, adults enrolled in Medicaid and adults who are unemployed. Mental health status shouldn’t determine smoking status, but often it does. The NYS tobacco control program has both local and statewide support programs in place to assist any person who is interested in quitting smoking”, said Susan Lennon, Tobacco Program Manager for the Center for a Tobacco-Free Hudson Valley. 
 
The Costs of Tobacco Use in New York State
 
Annual health care costs directly caused by smoking in the state are $10.39 billion. This expense results in a tax burden of $1,410 for each household every year.There are 28,200 deaths in New York State each year due to smoking, and thousands who are living with illnesses related to tobacco use.
 
The CDC recommends a $203 million annual investment in New York State’s Tobacco Control Program; the state’s investment is $39 million.
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Submitted by Somers, NY

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