Contact:
Mara Powell
502-895-8167 *122
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

E-cigarette usage among Kentucky youth has surged in recent years, putting thousands of our young people at risk of nicotine addiction, serious lung injury or disease, and other harmful health outcomes. Since advocates raised the alarm of the e-cigarette epidemic, the Kentucky legislature has demonstrated their commitment to facing it head on. The House Appropriations and Revenue emphasized that again today with passage of House Bill 32 to enact a tax on e-cigarette products, championed by Representative Jerry Miller.

Research says – and we’ve heard from Kentucky kids themselves – price dictates what teens buy. And a tax on e-cigarettes equivalent to that on cigarettes can prevent usage among youth, reduce future healthcare costs, and provide additional revenue for the state budget. We commend Representative Miller and the House Appropriations and Revenue for passing House Bill 32 and ask that, as it progresses, the measure go a step further by enacting a tax equivalent to that currently on cigarettes to make a real impact for young people. Our kids depend on adults speaking up for the best interests of their health and well-being.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.