Local advocates applaud federal push to raise tobacco buying age to 21 (AUDIO)

The minimum age to purchase all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, would go from 18 to 21 nationwide, once a bill passed by Congress is signed by the President. Laura Smith with Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation says “it’s really important because tobacco 21 will help keep tobacco products out of our schools, it will prevent youth tobacco use and save lives, so we’re really excited this is a historic victory that will help kids and everyone in this nation.”The bipartisan bill is part of a package of spending bills that will keep the government running into next year. This latest change at the federal level was supported by several big tobacco companies. Smith says this is a step in the right direction, and calls it “a big win for kids,” but she says more needs to be done “which is why we’re encouraging lawmakers at the state level, the local level to keep pushing and get policies passed that address the role of flavors in addicting kids.” Smith says once signed, the law would go into effect in September 2020. Here’s more with Smith: