Elizabeth Hamlin-Berninger, Director of Advocacy in New York
for the American Lung Association said:
“New York State is poised to become the 9th state in the
nation to raise the age of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21, thanks to
bold leadership in municipalities throughout the state, from the east end of
Suffolk County to our western border in Chautauqua and Essex County in the
North Country. Parents and teachers,
kids and community leaders all over the state made their voices heard in town
halls, in city halls, and finally in the state capital - and Senator Savino and
Assembly member Rosenthal delivered.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued this statement:
"This year I proposed raising the minimum age for
tobacco sales to 21 to help stamp out teen smoking and protect New Yorkers. The
lifelong health effects of tobacco cannot be overstated and in New York we are
committed to doing everything in our power to keep tobacco products out of the
hands of young people. I commend the Assembly and now the Senate, including
Senator Diane Savino and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, for joining us in
this effort, and I look forward to signing this lifesaving legislation."
