Governor DeWine Vetoes Tobacco Preemption, Supports Local Efforts to Reduce Nicotine Addiction

Gov. Mike DeWine's veto of a tobacco preemption legislation in Ohio has been met with praise from health advocates, who see it as a crucial step in reducing nicotine addiction among youths. The legislation, which aimed to block local governments from passing laws to reduce tobacco use, would have allowed the tobacco industry to continue targeting vulnerable communities with flavored products. Gov. DeWine's veto will allow Columbus to implement its new law ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars.

Key Takeaways:

• Gov. Mike DeWine has vetoed legislation that would have blocked local governments in Ohio from passing laws to reduce tobacco use.
• The tobacco industry uses flavors to hook young people into a lifetime of nicotine addiction, with 81% of kids who use tobacco products starting with flavored products.
• Flavored products have fueled high rates of youth e-cigarette use and nicotine addiction, with 85% of e-cigarette users nationwide using flavored products.
• In Ohio, 20% of high school students use e-cigarettes, with tobacco companies targeting Black Americans, kids, the LGBTQ+ community, and other communities with menthol cigarettes.
• Gov. DeWine's veto will allow Columbus to implement its new law ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars.
• Yolonda C. Richardson, President of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, praises Gov. DeWine's continued strong leadership in upholding the authority of Ohio communities to pass laws that protect kids, advance health equity, and save lives.

Statistics:

• 81% of kids who use tobacco products started with flavored products.
• 85% of e-cigarette users nationwide use flavored products.
• 2.5 million kids use e-cigarettes.
• 20% of high school students in Ohio use e-cigarettes.

Sources:

• "Gov. DeWine Vetoes Legislation that Would Block Local Efforts to Reduce Tobacco Use" by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (July 5, 2023).