Rep. Ackert Pushes for Increasing the Age Limit to Purchase Tobacco Products
Posted on March 7, 2016
HARTFORD– State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) testified on Thursday, March 3rd in support of increasing the age limit to purchase tobacco products. Senate Bill 290- An Act Concerning the Sale and Purchase of Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products and Signage Concerning the Use of Such Products and Systems- would push the legal age to purchase tobacco to twenty one.
“I believe it’s time for Connecticut to take a proactive approach to reduce smoking and the best way is to keep those at an impressionable age from starting,” Rep. Ackert said. “As we age and get more, we make better health decisions and the decision not to smoke leads to a healthier lifestyle”
In June 2015, Hawaii became the first state in the country to increase the age from 18 to 21 to purchase tobacco products. According to campaign-for-tobacco-free-kids, at least 125 local municipalities in nine states, including New York City, Boston, Cleveland, and both Kansas Cities, have also raised the tobacco sale age to 21.
“For years funds received from the Tobacco Settlement have been swept to balance the budget rather than discouraging people from smoking,” Rep. Ackert added. “It’s time for us to demonstrate that we are serious about the health of this state’s young people, and that we support smoking prevention and cessation.”
The bill proposal now awaits action in the Public Health Committee. Residents interested in S.B. 290 can follow this legislation on the General Assembly’s website; www.cga.ct.gov.
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