WHEREAS, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in Michigan. Tobacco kills more than 16,200 Michiganders annually – more than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined; and
WHEREAS, Michigan is one of 12 states that make up “Tobacco Nation” where the smoking prevalence is higher compared to the rest of the country. Tobacco costs Michigan over $5.33 billion in health care expenditures and $11.5 billion in lost productivity each year; and
WHEREAS, flavored tobacco increases youth usage. In 2023, 90.3% of high school students and 87.1% of middle school students who use e-cigarettes reported using a flavored e-cigarette. Youth who vape, use the product "because they come in flavors I like."
WHEREAS, historically, cigarette companies have disproportionately marketed menthol products in predominantly Black communities by using culturally tailored advertising images and messages. 85% of African American adult smokers use menthol products. This is three times the rate of menthol use among white adult smokers worsening tobacco-related health disparities; and
WHEREAS, Michigan state law prohibits local governments from enacting policies that regulate the sale of tobacco and nicotine products and require tobacco retailer licensure, preventing local communities from protecting kids’ health; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 647 restores local control and repeals state law prohibiting local governments from enacting ordinances and regulations pertaining to the sale or licensure of tobacco products. Allowing localities to pass stronger tobacco control measures and;
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 648 proposes to establish a new tax on e-cigarettes and increase taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products, with revenue generated dedicated to tobacco prevention and cessation programs, and enforcement of tax and smoke-free air laws, aligning with evidence-based strategies to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bills 649 and 650 aim to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes and menthol-flavored cigarettes, recognizing the significant role flavors play in driving tobacco-related inequities and youth initiation; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bills 651 and 652 establishes a statewide Tobacco Retail Licensing program, requiring all establishments selling nicotine or tobacco products to obtain a license. Improving compliance with existing tobacco sales regulations and reducing youth initiation to nicotine and;
WHEREAS, Senate Bills 653 and 654 repeal provisions in the Youth Tobacco Act that impose civil and criminal penalties on minors for purchasing, using or possessing tobacco products;
WHEREAS, (insert something about why these bills are important for our youth.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the ___________ School District Board of Education supports the Protect MI Kids Bill Package (SB 647-654) and urges the Michigan Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs begin hearings on these bills as soon as possible.
Be it further resolved, that the _________________ School District Board of Education calls on the Legislature to swiftly pass these critical bills in their entirety to protect the health and well-being of Michigan's residents.
Be it Further Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the members of the Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs, the members of the Michigan Senate who represent the ___________School District, and to the Michigan Association of School Boards.