Policy Alert - Tobacco funding in MN

Dedicated, ongoing funding is urgently needed to prevent and treat tobacco addiction in our community, especially as we face COVID-19, smoking-related health disparities and the youth tobacco epidemic.
 
As the 2021 Minnesota Legislative Session comes to its close, you can advocate for new and ongoing investments in tobacco prevention. This funding will help Minnesota reverse the youth tobacco epidemic and address tobacco-related health disparities.
 
Right now, the legislature’s Taxes Conference Committee is discussing their omnibus tax bill, which includes proposals to dedicate existing cigarette taxes to prevention. The good news is your legislator, Senator Miller, is on the Taxes Conference Committee.
 
It is so important that these committee members hear from constituents about tobacco prevention funding. As a private citizen and constituent of his, you can reach out to Sen. Miller.
 
Below is a sample email and Sen. Miller’s contact information.

 
Template Email – Please Feel Free to Personalize
To: sen.jeremy.miller@senate.mn
Cc: Kalyn.Schroeder@senate.mn
 
Dear Sen. Miller:
 
As your constituent, I am deeply concerned about the youth tobacco epidemic and the ongoing burden of tobacco addiction on families, communities and the economy.
 
Thank you for your leadership in proposing bills to invest additional resources in tobacco prevention and treatment. This funding is critical this year and I hope you will make it a top priority in the 2021 Omnibus Tax bill.
 
Investing in sustainable, ongoing tobacco prevention efforts will save lives and money. Every year, Minnesota collects hundreds of millions of dollars in cigarette taxes. If we dedicate just a fraction more of these funds to prevention, we can make a huge difference to improve health.
 
As the legislature finishes its work this session, I hope you will look for opportunities to address the youth vaping epidemic with additional tobacco prevention funding.
 
Thank you,
<Your Name & City>