Month: October 2019

As Age of Access for Tobacco Increases to 21, Sen. Cohen Applauds New Law That Will Protect Youth From Dangers of Smoking

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As Age of Access for Tobacco Increases to 21, Sen. Cohen Applauds New Law That Will Protect Youth From Dangers of Smoking

HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) joined numerous legislators, including Governor Ned Lamont, to applaud a new state law that increases the age of access for tobacco and smoking products from 18 to 21. The “Tobacco 21” law, which goes into effect today, October 1, is the result of an effort to reduce the harm tobacco can cause among the general public.

“E-cigarettes have become the leading form of tobacco use among minors, and these harmful products pose numerous health risks, both known and unknown,” said Sen. Cohen. “I am thrilled we are taking proactive steps to protect our children from these potentially deadly items. Raising the age to 21 is an effective method to ensure high school aged individuals are not able to easily have access to e-cigarettes. Additionally, increasing penalties for distributing this product to our youth will serve as a stronger deterrent and make individuals think twice before putting e-cigarettes in the hands of minors.

House Bill No. 7200, commonly referred to as “Tobacco 21,” raises the legal purchase age of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products and other tobacco products from 18 to 21, effective today. In addition to increasing the age of access, the bill increases penalties for tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21 and bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds, among other changes.

Businesses found to sell tobacco products to underage patrons will see fines increased from $200 to $300 for first offenses, from $350 to $750 for second offenses, and from $500 to $1,000 for further offenses. They also face a possible revocation of their license to sell tobacco products.

This comes as data shows an increase in youth and underage tobacco use, specifically of vaping products. In recent weeks, states reported seeing increased numbers of lung diseases and lung damage directly related to vaping products. While youth tobacco use is down, just under 5 million middle and high school students used tobacco in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 20 percent of high school students and 5 percent of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2018, according to the Surgeon General.

The law also closes a significant loophole that will prevent youth access to tobacco products, as it requires online e-cigarette sellers to obtain the signature of someone 21 or older when delivering a package. This prevents underage shoppers from obtaining vapes or other smoking products without having to show identification or prove they’re of age.

Today, Connecticut becomes the 12th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to raise the age of access to 21.

As Age of Access for Tobacco Increases to 21, Sen. Abrams Joins Gov. Lamont to Commemorate New Law That Will Protect Youth From Dangers of Smoking

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As Age of Access for Tobacco Increases to 21, Sen. Abrams Joins Gov. Lamont to Commemorate New Law That Will Protect Youth From Dangers of Smoking

MERIDEN, CT – Today, State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) joined Gov. Ned Lamont, Department of Public Health Commissioner Renee Coleman-Mitchell, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati, Superintendent Mark Benigni, Senator Mae Flexer, and Representatives Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield) and Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) to commemorate a new state law that raises the age of access for tobacco and smoking products from 18 to 21. The “Tobacco 21” law, which goes into effect today, October 1, is the result of an endeavor led by Sen. Abrams and her colleagues to reduce the harm tobacco can cause among the general public.

“As Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee I am proud to have played a role in passing Tobacco 21,” said Sen. Abrams. “This legislation takes significant steps in removing youth access to tobacco products. Most habitual smokers start smoking at a young age. By increasing the age of access of tobacco, we will prevent older students from supplying tobacco products to their younger peers, and reduce the number of future lifelong smokers. As legislators, we have no greater responsibility than protecting the safety of young people in the state. This legislation will provide Connecticut’s youth a better opportunity for a healthy future.”

This legislation comes as data shows an increase in youth and underage tobacco use, specifically of vaping products. Just under 5 million middle and high school students used tobacco in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 20 percent of high school students and 5 percent of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2018, according to the Surgeon General.

House Bill No. 7200, commonly referred to as “Tobacco 21,” raises the legal purchase age of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products and other tobacco products from 18 to 21, effective today. In addition to increasing the age of access, the bill increases penalties for tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21 and bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds, among other changes.

“This legislation marks a major bipartisan and bilateral success,” Sen. Abrams said. “The passing of ‘Tobacco 21’ was a team effort amongst legislators from both parties and chambers on behalf of the children of our state. As we move towards next session, we must remain vigilant to the continued dangers of tobacco products, specifically vaping products, and continue to work in the best interest of our youth.”

 

As Age of Access for Tobacco Increases to 21, Sen. Maroney Joins Gov. Lamont to Commemorate New Law That Will Protect Youth From Dangers of Smoking

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As Age of Access for Tobacco Increases to 21, Sen. Maroney Joins Gov. Lamont to Commemorate New Law That Will Protect Youth From Dangers of Smoking

MERIDEN, CT – Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) joined numerous legislators, including Governor Ned Lamont, in applauding a new state law that increases the age of access for tobacco and smoking products from 18 to 21. The “Tobacco 21” law, which goes into effect today, October 1, is the result of an effort to reduce the harm tobacco can cause among the general public.

“I am proud to stand with my colleagues as we take common-sense steps to protect Connecticut teenagers and youth from these harmful products,” said Sen. Maroney. “As best evidenced by the CEO of Juul Kevin Burn stating ‘don’t vape, don’t use Juul,’ it is clear these products are unsafe and should not be in the hands of minors. Despite that, vaping has become the leading use of tobacco among minors. Something needs to be done, and today with this law becoming effective, we have done something that will keep our youth safe.”

House Bill No. 7200, commonly referred to as “Tobacco 21,” raises the legal purchase age of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products and other tobacco products from 18 to 21, effective today. In addition to increasing the age of access, the bill increases penalties for tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21 and bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds, among other changes.

Businesses found to sell tobacco products to underage patrons will see fines increased from $200 to $300 for first offenses, from $350 to $750 for second offenses, and from $500 to $1,000 for further offenses. They also face a possible revocation of their license to sell tobacco products.

This comes as data shows an increase in youth and underage tobacco use, specifically of vaping products. In recent weeks, states reported seeing increased numbers of lung diseases and lung damage directly related to vaping products. While youth tobacco use is down, just under 5 million middle and high school students used tobacco in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 20 percent of high school students and 5 percent of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2018, according to the Surgeon General.

The law also closes a significant loophole that will prevent youth access to tobacco products, as it requires online e-cigarette sellers to obtain the signature of someone 21 or older when delivering a package. This prevents underage shoppers from obtaining vapes or other smoking products without having to show identification or prove they’re of age.

Today, Connecticut becomes the 12th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to raise the age of access to 21.

Sen. Maroney, Lawmakers, and the Veteran’s Affair Commissioner Honor Cadet Nurse Corps Heroes

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Sen. Maroney, Lawmakers, and the Veteran’s Affair
Commissioner Honor Cadet Nurse Corps Heroes

Senate Democrats Photo

SIMSBURY, CT – Today at the McLean, A Life Plan Community located in Simsbury, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) and state Representative John Hampton (D-Simsbury) joined Veterans; Affairs Commissioner Thomas Saadi to recognize the contribution of women serving in the Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.

Alice Johnson and Irene Wilks Walker (posthumously) were honored as Johnson, and Wilks Walker’s family, was presented with proclamations acknowledging their service to the nation. General Assembly lawmakers are continuing to request Congress also recognize those who served in the Corps.

The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps was established during World War II to help fill a void created by nurses serving overseas in Europe and the Pacific.

“We are forever grateful for the sacrifices of these brave women,” said Sen. Maroney. “As co-chair of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee, I am proud we passed legislation to properly honor cadet nurses. They are American heroes and an inspiration to all.”

From 1943 to 1948 about 180,000 women joined the Corps with 124,000 completing the program. Records show there were 1,125 nursing schools participating in the Corps program. Graduates provided nursing services at military and civilian hospitals in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The average age of a Cadet was 19.

“The young women who stepped up to serve their country have been overlooked for more than 70 years,” said Rep. Hampton. “These women volunteered to help our nation during one of the darkest times in U.S. history and we must finally recognize their contributions. I will continue doing my part to press Congress to provide full veterans benefits to these courageous women.”

“The members of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps answered the Nation’s call to address the shortage of nurses in a time of war,” said Commissioner Saadi. “The Cadet Nurse Corps gave our Nation the critical capacity to continually provide quality medical care domestically so that others could provide medical care to service members abroad contributing to our victory in World War II, which preserved freedom and democracy in the United States and for hundreds of millions of people across the globe. That is why ceremonies recognizing these patriotic women, most of whom are in their mid-90s, are so important.”

This year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution 3 which calls on Congress to recognize women who served in the Cadet Nurse Corps as veterans. Advocates say members of the Corps answered the call of service to their nation with distinction.

“My mother was in the Cadet Nurse Corps while a student at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York,” said Donna Johnston, daughter of Alice Johnson. “She was very proud of her service and wanted to use her nursing skills to provide care to those who were in need. She used her education to provide nursing care for over 50 years. She worked in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and in Connecticut. She loved nursing so much that after she retired, she continued to volunteer providing blood pressure screenings and administering flu vaccines for 10 years. I know she is grateful for the education she received, the ability to care for people for so long and for this recognition.”

Ben Walker, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of his late wife Irene Wilks Walker, recounted how Irene had been training with the Cadet Nurse Corps at New Britain General Hospital until 1948 when the program ended. Mr. Walker said Irene continued her studies at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing as a civilian and spent 30 years at St. Francis helping to heal the sick. He added that The Walkers’ two daughters are also nurses.

Visit cadetnurse.com for more about the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps.