New York State State of the State 2023

ALBANY, NY | January 10, 2023

Today, the American Lung Association applauds Governor Hochul for her commitment to solidify New York’s leadership in ensuring a tobacco-free generation during the 2023 State of the State address.

Trevor Summerfield, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in New York issued the following statement:

“The Governor’s announcement today in her State of the State of her intention to remove all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes from New York State shelves, in addition to increasing the cigarette tax from $4.35 to $5.35 per pack are critical moves promoting health equity, social justice and the lung health of all New Yorkers. These measures would catapult New York back into being a nationwide leader in tobacco control efforts.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in New York. In 2020, 22.5% of youths used an e-cigarette. Every year, approximately 4,300 New Yorkers under 18 become daily smokers. Tragically, 280,000 of New York’s youth who are under 18 are projected to die prematurely from smoking, while an additional 28,200 adults in the state die each year from tobacco.

The State's previous removal of flavored vaping products from the market was an important first step. The initiatives announced today, if implemented, will drastically reduce tobacco use rates and weaken Big Tobacco’s continued efforts to addict our youth to their deadly products.

The Lung Association looks forward to working with Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to ensure these life-saving policies are passed and enacted into law and that the state’s tobacco control program is adequately funded to assist all New Yorkers who are ready to quit tobacco use.”

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Solomon
(516) 680-8927
jennifer.solomon@lung.org

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