Massachusetts Legislation Falls Short Of Protecting Youth From Nicotine Addiction

Lawmakers in the Bay State recently heard testimony on proposals in both the Massachusetts House and Senate which seek to address youth nicotine addiction by increasing the state excise taxes on cigars and cigarettes. While protecting youth from all age-restricted products is laudable, Massachusetts youth are reporting record lows in cigarette and cigar use. Rather than imposing draconian taxes that will disproportionately impact lower-income persons, and stoke fears of a youth vaping epidemic that doesn’t exist, lawmakers should utilize existing tobacco monies on programs to address youth use of tobacco and vapor products.